"MUM was probably right all along."
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That was the view of Magistrate Michael Price when Travis Luke Dunn appeared in Dubbo Local Court on a charge of possessing a prohibited drug.
The 22-year-old pleaded guilty and pledged not to get into trouble again.
Prosecution facts tendered to the court said Dunn was nervous and visibly shaking when police stopped a Holden Commodore for a random breath test on the Mitchell Highway.
A strong smell of cannabis was evident, despite a number of air freshners placed in the vehicle in an attempt to mask the odour.
A drug dog located 25.8g of cannabis wrapped in foil and clear resealable bags hidden in the passenger side door trim.
Police said Dunn made full and frank admissions that the drug was for personal use with his mates.
He admitted hiding the cannabis in the door in an effort to avoid detection.
A solicitor from the Aboriginal Legal Service said it was Dunn's first appearance in court.
"At the time of the offence he had lost his job with a geotechnical engineering firm," the solicitor said.
"He had been on good money, left home and started to hang with the wrong crowd. He was in a bad place. Now he is in a relationship, has found a job and is working hard.
"He is a young man with a bright future at low risk of re-offending. Recording a (criminal) conviction would impact on his hopes for the future.
"A lengthy bond would ensure continued good behaviour."
Magistrate Price said the testimonial supplied by Dunn's mother was refreshingly candid.
"The wheels came off the cart," the magistrate said.
"You found that Mum was probably right all along."
Dunn was ordered to enter into a bond to be of good behaviour for 12 months.
"You won't keep dabbling in this stuff will you," Magistrate Price asked.
Dunn said he would not.
"What will happen if you do?" the magistrate asked.
"I'll get into a lot more trouble," Dunn said.