Steven Mercael, Principal Lawyer of Criminal Lawyers Group, secures Intensive Corrections Order for client charged with drug supply at Liverpool Local Court – March 2025.
A Western Sydney man found in possession of a significant quantity of methamphetamine and heroin — enough to warrant charges of supply — has avoided full-time imprisonment, following successful sentencing submissions by defence lawyer Steven Mercael at Liverpool Local Court.
The 31-year-old man was charged with supplying 13 grams of methamphetamine (ice) and 20 grams of heroin after police executed a search warrant at his Casula residence earlier this year.
Police Locate Two Types of Drugs in Residential Search
According to the agreed facts, officers from the South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home following a short-term surveillance operation.
During the search, police located multiple resealable bags containing a total of 33.2 grams of methamphetamine and 20.1 grams of heroin, along with digital scales, small plastic bags, and cash suspected to be proceeds of crime.
The defendant was arrested and charged with two counts of supply of a prohibited drug (indictable quantity) under Section 25(1) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW), offences which each carry a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.
Defence: Addiction, Rehabilitation, and Risk of Reoffending Addressed
At sentencing, Steven Mercael submitted that although the quantities were not insignificant, the offending was closely linked to the client’s own drug dependency and chaotic lifestyle at the time.
“This was not commercial supply or operation for profit,” Mr Mercael told the court. “The drugs were supplied in the context of addiction, not greed — and importantly, my client has already taken major steps towards recovery.”
Evidence of extensive participation in drug rehabilitation, counselling programs, and clean drug test results were tendered in support of a non-custodial sentence. The court also heard that the defendant had no history of violence and had demonstrated genuine remorse and motivation for change.
Outcome: Intensive Corrections Order (ICO), No Full-Time Jail
After considering the totality of the circumstances, the Magistrate at Liverpool Local Court accepted that a community-based sentence was appropriate, and imposed an Intensive Corrections Order (ICO) under Section 7 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW).
The ICO allows the client to serve his sentence in the community under strict supervision and conditions, including:
- Abstaining from drug use
- Ongoing participation in rehabilitation
- Supervision by Community Corrections
- 100 Community service hours
To learn more about ICOs and how they work, visit our information page here:
👉 What is an Intensive Corrections Order (ICO)?
Lawyer’s Response
Steven Mercael, Principal Lawyer at Criminal Lawyers Group, said:
“This case shows that even serious drug supply charges do not automatically lead to jail, particularly when the court is persuaded that rehabilitation is real and ongoing. The ICO gives our client a genuine chance to rebuild his life while being held accountable in the community.”
Charged with Drug Supply? Get the Right Defence.
Drug supply charges carry serious penalties — but with the right legal strategy and representation, there are often alternatives to full-time jail.
📞 Call Criminal Lawyers Group now on 8815 8177
📧 Or email us at info@criminallawyersgroup.com.au
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