A woman who worked as a nurse but sold methamphetamine and cannabis on the side has avoided jail.
Leiha Marie Walker, 44, was as a nurse in Townsville, in Queensland’s north-east until she was forced to stop in January due to health reasons.
Walker, originally from New Zealand, was charged with 11 counts of supplying a dangerous drug, the Townsville Bulletin reported.
Leiha Marie Walker (pictured) was working as a nurse in Townsville, in Queensland’s north east until she had to stop in January due to health reasons
The 44-year-old pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 18 months behind bars but was released immediately on parole.
Walker was stopped by police on May 28, 2017 and detectives searched her car as she was acting unusual.
Officers found drug paraphernalia in the 44-year-old’s car and forensically examined her mobile phone.
Messages found on the phone detailed that Walker had offered to supply the illicit drugs.
Walker supplied cannabis and methamphetamine 11 times to seven different people in the two weeks leading up to being caught.
Crown prosecutor Monique Sheppard told the court that of the 11 times Walker supplied drugs, seven were methamphetamine.
A woman who worked as a nurse but sold methamphetamine and cannabis on the side has avoided going to jail
Walker, originally from New Zealand, was charged with 11 counts of supplying a dangerous drug
‘The supplies were street level and in regards to the methamphetamine they were commercial in that on each occasion there was a discussion about exchanging money,’ Ms Sheppard said.
The 44-year-old supplied the illicit substances to her friends and had another supply charge on her record from 18 years ago.
Defence barrister Kelly Stone said Walker could return to work when her health allowed but the convictions may impact on her finding a job.
Judge Michael Shanahan sentenced Walker to 18 months in jail, but the nurse was released on immediate parole.