Steven Mercael, Principal Lawyer of Criminal Lawyers Group, secures good behaviour bond for client facing dual drug supply charges at Downing Centre Local Court – August 2025.
A Sydney man who supplied both MDMA and cocaine within minutes of each other as part of a dial-a-dealer drug operation in the CBD has avoided a jail sentence, following successful sentencing submissions by criminal defence lawyer Steven Mercael at Downing Centre Local Court.
The defendant, aged in his 20s, was charged with two counts of supply of a prohibited drug after he was arrested during a covert police operation targeting mobile drug dealers in central Sydney’s nightlife precincts.
Back-to-Back Deals on the Night Circuit
According to the agreed police facts, the man first supplied 8 MDMA capsules to an individual in a pre-arranged meeting in the Haymarket area. Just 10 minutes later, he was observed meeting a second person on Oxford Street, where he supplied 5 grams of cocaine.
Plainclothes officers monitoring the exchanges arrested the defendant shortly after the second transaction. A search uncovered further incriminating evidence, including his mobile phone, which showed communications consistent with low-level supply arrangements.
He was taken to Day Street Police Station and charged with two counts of supply of a prohibited drug, an offence that can carry a penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
Defence Submissions at Downing Centre Local Court
Appearing at Downing Centre Local Court, Steven Mercael argued that although the conduct involved two separate supply acts, they occurred within a short period and should be considered in totality. He emphasised that the defendant was not acting on behalf of any organised crime group and had become involved in drug supply during a period of significant personal and financial instability.
“He’s a young man who made two very poor decisions in a short space of time,” said Mr Mercael. “This was not a case of ongoing trafficking — it was impulsive, opportunistic, and entirely out of character.”
Mr Mercael submitted that the defendant had no prior criminal history, had shown early acceptance of responsibility, and had since completed counselling and drug rehabilitation programs.
Outcome: Good Behaviour Bond, No Jail Time
The court accepted that the offences fell toward the lower end of objective seriousness, and acknowledged the defendant’s remorse, young age, and proactive efforts toward rehabilitation.
While the prosecution pushed for a custodial sentence due to the seriousness and repeated nature of the offences, the Magistrate at Downing Centre Local Court instead imposed a 12-month good behaviour bond under Section 8 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW).
Lawyer’s Response
Steven Mercael, Principal Lawyer said “The court rightly distinguished between opportunistic, one-off behaviour and sustained criminal conduct. My client now has the opportunity to rebuild his future without the burden of imprisonment.”
The good behaviour bond is subject to strict compliance, including continued engagement with drug counselling services.
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