A man has been granted freedom after a magistrate emphasized the devastating effects of his methamphetamine use on his life and family. Steele Chester Mansell, 32, appeared before the Launceston Magistrates Court on January 7, 2024, after spending a total of 124 days in custody. He faced multiple charges, including breaches of a family violence order, burglary, and theft.
Mansell, a resident of Mayfield, changed some previous not guilty pleas to guilty and entered guilty pleas for other charges. His defence lawyer, Mark Doyle, informed the court that some charges were dismissed, including a theft charge and a common assault charge.
During the proceedings, prosecutor Anne Knox detailed incidents involving Mansell’s criminal behaviour. On January 31, 2024, at approximately 03:32, Mansell unlawfully entered a property in Summerhill, stealing a Milwaukee drill and other tools from a parked utility vehicle. On February 19, 2024, he was reported to have harassed his ex-partner at her home in Newnham, shouting and damaging her property.
On September 21, 2024, he returned to his ex-partner’s residence and removed a Google security camera from the wall. This incident was documented on CCTV, providing clear evidence of his actions. While the camera was later returned, the impact of Mansell’s actions weighed heavily on the court’s deliberation.
Doyle highlighted the grip that drugs had on Mansell, stating, “It’s been a longer road than he or his family would have wanted it to be.” The court also learned that Mansell had recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, indicating that a relapse into drug use could pose serious health risks.
In addressing the court, Mansell described the diagnosis as “a massive big wake-up call,” recognizing the need for change. Magistrate Sharon Cure reflected on Mansell’s early cannabis use, which she noted had escalated into a more severe addiction. She remarked, “You can’t control that. It’s destroyed his life, and that of his family.”
Despite the serious charges against him, Magistrate Cure expressed her belief in Mansell’s commitment to rehabilitation and a drug-free future. He received a nine-month prison sentence, backdated to September 5, 2024, accounting for time served. The remainder of his sentence was suspended for 18 months, allowing him to leave the courtroom a free man.
Additionally, Mansell was given a 15-month driving disqualification, with the magistrate hoping this would encourage further rehabilitation. The court recorded numerous convictions related to family violence, designating him as a persistent family violence offender for a duration of 12 months. A 12-month family violence order was also imposed, aiming to prevent further incidents.
This case underscores the profound impact of substance abuse not only on individuals but also on their families and communities.
