A YOUNG woman has admitted to being involved in the supply of ecstasy in Tamworth's Imperial Hotel but her defence doesn't want a criminal conviction recorded.
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Sophie Langenbaker backflipped on the day of her hearing in Tamworth Local Court, admitting to a charge of taking part in the supply of MDMA at the Imperial between 16 and 17 November last year.
She had previously denied two offences against her, pleading not guilty to supplying less than an indictable quantity of a prohibited drug, and one count of participating in a criminal group and contributing to criminal activity.
The 21-year-old was flanked by a family member in court and has been on bail since she was charged in December after being caught up in a secret police sting, code-name Strike Force Heyward.
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Police prosecutor Sergeant Matt Pawsey tendered the facts and her criminal record and said she was one of "prior good character, this is the only matter on Miss Langanbaker's record".
Her co-accused Corey Cutmore, one of the men police allege is the upper-level suppliers, remains before the court and "is being dealt with on indictment in the district court, as I understand it", her barrister Steven Doupe told the court.
Mr Doupe tried to have Langenbaker take the stand to detail "colourings to what she has done to her rehabilitation", but Ms Soars said she wanted a report from Community Corrections instead.
"Do I take it that it was four capsules, or four hits supplied on the night in question," Magistrate Julie Soars queried, examining the facts.
"She told the co-accused, she had moved four," Mr Doupe explained.
"[She] was alleged to have been provided with five tablets ... she subsequently indicated to the co-accused she had moved four."
The court heard Cutmore and Langenbaker were not a couple, despite Langenbaker telling him on the phone she "loved him".
"They said love you to each other ... that's all," Ms Soars told the court reading the facts.
"Love him."
"They were acquaintances," Mr Doupe explained.
Mr Doupe asked for a community corrections order - or good behaviour bond - without a conviction, but it was something rejected by the police prosecution that wants a criminal conviction recorded for supplying drugs.
Mr Doupe said his client "has upon being arrested undertaken multiple rehabilitation programs" in relation to her health and "drug use".
But Ms Soars declined to sentence her until seeing a full background report.
"General deterrence is very important," she told the court.
"You are asking me to deal with it without conviction, and I can't even consider that without some [additional information]."
She ordered authorities to prepare a full sentencing assessment report before she hands down her sentence in October.
"I'll get some insight into what's gone on here," Ms Soars said.
"Bail to continue."
Close to a dozen people have been charged with more than 60 offences as part of Strike Force Heyward, with several accused behind bars on commercial drug supply allegations.
The strike force was set up last year by the Oxley Target Action Group to target the party drug scene in and around licensed premises in Tamworth.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
