Jordan Lane-Robb: Tamworth drug-dealer's disability could stop him going to jail

Jordan Lane-Robb, a paraplegic as the result of a horrific rodeo accident faced sentencing in Tamworth District Court on Monday.

Between June and September 2017, Lane-Robb supplied 140g of methylamphetamine on three separate occasions.

Unable to be left alone overnight without supervision, Lane-Robb has no movement below the chest, needs constant medical care and wide halls for wheelchair access.

The ability of Corrective Services NSW to look after Lane-Robb’s extensive medical needs as a result of his disability came under question in court.

Judge Jeffery McLennan was prepared to consider a home detention but only after the full extent of Lane-Robb’s medical needs was communicated to Corrective Services NSW to determine its ability to care for him.

“It might be the proper response given the aggregate sentence can not exceed more than three years,” Judge McLennan said.

“His home situation is set up for his need to be mobilised through his wheelchair and people who can provide the care and know what his issues are.

“He also lives close to a hospital in an emergency.”

Defence solicitor Jason Curtis argued his client was a “street-level” dealer in court, despite Lane-Robb’s intentions to sell two ounces worth of methylamphetamine for $13,000.

Read also: Facing jail: former bullrider pleads guilty to drug-dealing

“Without knowing the extent of the hierarchy … what one concedes that Mr Lane-Robb himself has direct contact with Mr Woodard [co-accused] so it’s not as though there is a person in the hierarchy who intervenes between them at all times,” Judge McLennan said.

“While one can not say Mr Woodard was at the top of the chain, one could possibly come to conclude Lane-Robb was below mid-level but above street-level.”

There is no evidence that the ring Lane-Robb was involved in was a sophisticated operation, the court heard.

The several men involved did not use encryption or codes to communicate and the court heard Lane-Robb used the money he made dealing drugs to pay for his own drug habit.

Photographs of Lane-Robb either grappling with or riding a bull were handed to the judge as proof of how he sustained his lifelong injuries in 2014.

Read also: Strike Force Delaney: former bullrider facing drug-dealing charges

Lane-Robb handed himself into Tamworth detectives and was arrested in September 2017.

He faced 20 years behind bars before some of the charges were withdrawn by Strike Force Delaney, a police operation targeting drug supply in Tamworth rodeo circles.

The matter has been adjourned for another six weeks until Judge McLennan can determine whether prison is a viable option for Lane-Robb.

“I want you to understand was it not for your disability I wouldn’t hesitate to send you to prison,” he said.

“The reason I’m considering another option is because of the particular disabilities you have and the risk if you are not cared for properly you may face a detriment to your health that could put your life in jeopardy.”

A report has been ordered from Justice Health to consider whether prison or home detention is a more viable option.

He remains on bail.

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