By Ethan Benedicto, Cam Lucadou-Wells
A South East man has pleaded guilty to five drug charges including trafficking at the Victorian County Court.
Lionel Ari Albert pled guilty after a sentence indication to trafficking methylamphetamine and the possession of precursor chemicals phosphorus, iodine and hypophosphorous acid above legal limits in Langwarrin South on 13 September 2022.
He also pled guilty to the possession of a firearm while being a prohibited person, the handling of stolen goods and attempting to pervert the course of justice by trying to persuade witnesses to retract their police statements.
The courtroom debate on 14 February hinged on sentencing – imprisonment versus monitored rehabilitation.
With Albert having already served 820 days in custody, his defence advocated for a sentence equal to the time served combined with a Community Correction Order.
The defence further argued that Albert should receive structured supervision and therapeutic intervention, considering he is currently drug-free and on a rehabilitation pathway.
The prosecution opposed the CCO proposal, instead highlighting that Albert had an extensive criminal history, including multiple breaches of previous community orders between 2007 and 2017.
It was further added that due to his involvement in drug trafficking and attempt to obstruct justice, Albert’s sentencing should follow a traditional custodial sentence with a non-parole period.
Judge Stewart Bayles acknowledged the legal validity of a combined sentence of jail and a CCO, but also expressed concern given Albert’s non-compliance with court orders.
His criminal history included being convicted of drug trafficking and possession involving methylamphetamine and other chemicals in 2018.
Albert was scheduled to reappear at court on Thursday, 20 February.
