A HORSHAM woman who drove alleged drug traffickers to Ballarat to pick up amphetamines escaped conviction at Horsham Magistrate's Court last week.
Kathryn Lee Miatke, 25, pleaded guilty to having aided and abetted the trafficking of amphetamines.
But Magistrate Peter Couzens spared Miatke a conviction because she had no prior convictions, because of her age and the unlikelihood she would offend again.
Miatke was given a 12-month good behaviour bond and ordered to pay $750 to the court's charity fund.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Belinda Ryan said a police operation, starting in December 2008, focused on Horsham people allegedly trafficking cannabis, amphetamines and ecstasy.
Sen Const Ryan said Miatke communicated via mobile phone with a Horsham man involved in the drug operation.
Miatke used her vehicle to transport the man to Ballarat to buy amphetamines from an unknown supplier.
On May 7, 2009, Miatke used her mobile phone to cancel a planned trip to Ballarat because she was unavailable until late in the day, meaning they would not return to Horsham until late.
Sen Const Ryan said Miatke drove the accused to Ballarat on May 9, 2009, to buy amphetamines.
In a police interview on June 8, Miatke admitted to having driven the man to Ballarat and said she knew they were organising to pick up drugs.
Sen Const Ryan said Miatke exchanged mobile phone messages with the man, and said she `loved' helping him out.
Defence solicitor Nick Lucas asked Mr Couzens not to convict Miatke.
Mr Lucas said Miatke had known the accused for about two and a half years.
"She received no benefit whatsoever from the transaction," he said.
"Her involvement was an act of stupidity, and through friendship."
Mr Lucas said a co-defendant did not receive a conviction after pleading guilty at Horsham Magistrate's Court on September 23 to having trafficked, possessed and used amphetamines.
Mr Lucas asked that Miatke be treated similarly because her `role was at the low end of the scale'.
Mr Couzens said Miatke's charge was serious.
"Mr Lucas mentioned you didn't have dirt on your hand in regard to trafficking drugs," he said.
"It's like the person driving the getaway car when a bank is being robbed, you could argue. It's the same thing but I tell you they are as culpable."
Mr Couzens said people who aided and abetted were just as guilty as drug traffickers.
"To say the least I'm surprised that someone with your background would willingly engage in this," he said.
"You knew what you were getting into - trafficking drugs."
Mr Couzens said amphetamines caused serious damage to the community, particularly young people.
"It's an insidious drug. It's addictive and can cause long-term effects," he said.
"In driving them you were very much involved. It's very disappointing you were involved. Your involvement would already be public knowledge. I'd imagine your parents were very disappointed in you."
Mr Couzens said a conviction would impact on Miatke's prospects and be a burden for the rest of her life.
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