Queensland crime court brisbane grandma pleads guilty to drug trafficking 20220307 p5yfal.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Queensland grandma pleads guilty to drug trafficking

Ebony Cavallaro

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A 62-year-old grandmother has been spared time in jail over a six month stint trafficking dangerous drugs.

The terminal cancer patient, who uses a wheelchair, was handed a five year suspended sentence today at Brisbane Supreme Court.

The court heard Sandra May Castle turned over more than $80,000 selling drugs including methamphetamine, cannabis and OxyContin from her home.

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The terminal cancer patient, who uses a wheelchair, was handed a five year suspended sentence today at Brisbane Supreme Court.

The terminal cancer patient, who uses a wheelchair, was handed a five year suspended sentence today at Brisbane Supreme Court. 9News

She was also receiving Centrelink benefits at the time.

The operation ran in conjunction with her daughter and her partner, and became the target of a police operation.

Castle was convicted by her own plea of guilty.

Justice Susan Brown said the circumstances were "highly unusual" and would usually attract a penalty of at least 5 years behind bars.

But due to the advanced nature of Ms Castle's cancer and liver disease, she could not be accommodated in custody by corrective services staff or Queensland Health.

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"Look at yourself Ms Castle... you have grandchildren... The role modelling that your grandchildren have seen is mother and grandmother involved in drug trafficking," said Justice Susan Brown in sentencing.

"It is actually not too late for you to give them some advice... otherwise history will repeat over and over again, and this will be the cycle of your family."

The court heard the grandmother may only have months to live.

Sandra May Castle warned if she re-offends she will be brought back before the court to be re-sentenced.

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