A former bikie gang president has been sentenced to jail for his shed-based drug trafficking operation that also fuelled his addiction despite being punished previously for a similar offence at the same place.
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Brett Matthew French, 52, fronted sentencing in the ACT Supreme Court on Friday after pleading guilty to trafficking methylamphetamine.
Court documents state that on January 4 this year, police raided French's property in Higgins and found him and three other men, whom police did not charge, in a backyard shed.
As well as about 200 grams of the drug, police found CCTV installed across the premises feeding into a screen inside the shed.
They also found cash, cutting agents, chemicals, scales, clip-seal bags, gloves and French's phone that showed he was involved in drug supply since late December last year.
Despite his mature years, the offender has not demonstrated a strong motivation to rehabilitate.
- Chief Justice Helen Murrell
The court heard good behaviour orders were imposed on him in 2019 for similar offending in the past, including driving while influenced by drugs and possessing ice at the same Higgins premises.
During his sentencing hearing in mid-August, the court heard French did not make large profits from his trafficking, but he used it to fund his own addiction and to pay for everyday living expenses.
His criminal history included drug and firearms offences dating back to 2009 in which he had received good behaviour orders and/or fines.
He had told the author of a pre-sentence report he was president of an outlaw motorcycle gang during his membership in 2004-10 and he was burnt out after juggling that role with full-time work as a rubbish collection driver.
He also told the author, who said French was at a high risk of reoffending, that he felt relieved when police searched his premises and said "it was a blessing in disguise".
The author said French's behaviour in custody had been mixed, which included suspicion of possessing contraband and using stand-over tactics.
Giving evidence via video link previously, French said he had been increasing his use of ice to at least 1 gram a day after his former partner committed suicide.
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Chief Justice Helen Murrell had rejected the defence lawyer's submission that a suspended sentence or community-based order were options.
"Such orders would fail to provide an adequate deterrent to the offender and fail to adequately protect the community against drug trafficking," Chief Justice Murrell said.
"Despite his mature years, the offender has not demonstrated a strong motivation to rehabilitate.
"On two occasions he has attempted, he has not succeeded."
She said if he was removed from negative associations and addressed his emotional issues, conditions may improve.
French's jail term was backdated to February this year after he was arrested.
With a non-parole period of 13 months, he will be eligible for parole in March 2022.
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