Young mum, 22, who lived a double life running a meth syndicate from her family home AVOIDS jail - despite judge saying she knew 'precisely' what she was doing
- Couple were busted for their role in a sophisticated meth syndicate in Bathurst
- Aidan Hartnett pushed 1,505 grams of ice, worth $500,000, onto the streets
- Erin Clayton pleaded guilty to knowingly participating in a criminal group
- She narrowly avoided a prison sentence despite being a 'knowing' participant
Erin Clayton (pictured) avoided a jail sentence for her role in a meth syndicate
A young mother who was dealing meth from her house has avoided a jail sentence despite a judge determining she played a significant role in the syndicate.
Erin Clayton and her partner Aidan Hartnett were both charged with running the sophisticated drug network from their modest family home in Bathurst, in the NSW Central Tablelands in March 2018.
The pair raised their two-year-old daughter in the home, and were blissfully unaware that police were monitoring their every move for seven months prior to their arrests.
Magistrate Cate Follent determined Clayton, 22, was motivated by money for her role in the syndicate, and knew 'precisely' what she was doing, The Daily Telegraph reported.
'You portrayed yourself as young and oblivious - but that assertion is certainly not reflected in the fact sheet… it seems that you precisely knew what you were doing,' Magistrate Follent concluded.
Erin Clayton and her partner Aidan Hartnett were both charged with running the sophisticated drug network from their modest family home in Bathurst, in the NSW Central Tablelands in March 2018
Hartnett, 24, and Clayton, 22, were caught after a special strike force listened and watched them for the seven months before March 2018
Despite the magistrate's withering assessment, Clayton managed to avoid a prison sentence, instead receiving a 10-month intensive corrections order in Bathurst Local Court on Monday.
Clayton said her 12-hour stint in jail on the day of her arrest and the feeling of being loaded into the back of a police car was enough to keep her from falling back into crime.
She went on to say she relies on her mother for support, but knows she is disappointed by her actions.
Clayton said she, too, is disappointed by her decision to deal drugs and regularly thinks about the impact what she did has on her local community.
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Hartnett has since pleaded guilty to large commercial drug supply while Clayton pleaded guilty to knowingly participating in a criminal group
Court documents say the father pushed 1505 grams of ice, worth $500,000, onto the streets - with the majority being sold from the family home
'Aidan has remained in custody since being charged and this has meant that he has told me stories of people in custody who have had their lives ruined as a result of their addictions to drugs,' she said.
'I have learnt that drugs ruin families and communities — I am ashamed that I have played a role in this and every day I am disappointed in myself that I have had any part or contributed in any way to the supply of drugs.'
Her partner pleaded guilty to large commercial drug supply and currently remains behind bars awaiting sentencing.
Magistrate Cate Follent determined Clayton was motivated by money for her role in the syndicate, and knew 'precisely' what she was doing
Police arrested the couple after a seven month long investigation into methamphetamine distribution
Court documents previously seen by The Daily Telegraph revealed police witnessed Hartnett turn a profit of $90,000 in just four months of monitoring him.
He handed one buyer $31, 200 worth of ice in one go.
The father reportedly pushed 1,505 grams of ice, worth $500,000, onto the streets - with the majority being sold from the family home.
The agreed facts reveal the couple discussed the issue of having 'junkies' arrive at their house daily, as well as the prospect of losing a profit due to bringing on a 'middle man' as a drug dealer.
He had been employed as a tradie at the time while Clayton completed a course in animal studies at TAFE.
Hartnett faces the possibility of life in prison.
Despite this, the couple's relationship has continued and Clayton has vowed stand by her partner.
Police arrested the couple after a seven month long investigation into methamphetamine distribution
The couple's relationship has continued with Hartnett behind bars - and facing a life sentence. Clayton has vowed stand by her partner
