Our client was charged with serious drug offences relating to the cultivation and possession with intent to distribute several kilograms of the drug psilocin, known as ‘magic mushrooms’. Our client had no prior convictions but due to her longstanding and complex mental health condition, she used magic mushrooms to cope with everyday life. Unfortunately her dependence escalated to the supply and sale of the drug to others, eventually leading her to being targeted by a police operation.
Our client, a single mother, was facing a lengthy term of imprisonment. Not only was she terrified of going to prison because of her complex mental health diagnoses, but any period of incarceration would leave her 3 daughters without parental care, each of whom also suffered from various and complex mental and physical disabilities. We were able to negotiate a resolution with the prosecution which led to the discontinuance of the cultivation charge. As a result of thorough preparation and procurement of specialist reports, we were able to successfully persuade the Court to suspended the term of imprisonment on conditions, which included ongoing medical and community supervision. Our client was filled with tears and relief to be able to return home to her children, grateful for the exceptional opportunity to serve her sentence and rehabilitation in the community.
