Sydney man in court over judge's reference

A Sydney man who escaped conviction after he was caught with drugs has now been accused of misleading his ex-boss, a federal court judge, to obtain a personal reference during the case.

James Cowled, 32, of Rose Bay, is charged with "doing an act to pervert the course of justice" in May last year by providing his sentence hearing at Waverley Local Court with a personal reference obtained by "misleading means".

Cowled pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited drug on May 4, 2016 but the magistrate did not convict him.

He was placed on a good behaviour bond for 12 months.

Eight months later, Cowled was charged with the new offence, which was briefly mentioned in the Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday. The case was adjourned to April 24.