A Wellington mother who attempted to smuggle drugs into Wellington Correctional Centre as part of a drug ring headed by her partner, did it because she "lost confidence" to speak out.
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Danielle Louise Follett, 32, was the partner of Kyle Thompson, who ran the drug syndicate out of Wellington, which was sourcing ice, heroin, cocaine and MDMA from Sydney and supplying it across western NSW.
Between December 2019 and April 2020, secret police phone intercepts monitored alleged members of the group, which revealed the extent of Follett's participation. It included directing potential customers to people for the supply of drugs and packaging drugs at the direction of others.
It was also revealed she allowed the leader of the syndicate and partner, Kyle Thompson to use her bank account to receive cash for his drug supplies, and allowed the home to be used in his criminal enterprise.
In an agreed statement of facts, during a phone tap in January 2020, Follett was recorded talking to another woman organising to "wrap" 20 buprenorphine strips - about 0.8 grams - to be dropped off to the woman.
"Hey, I put it in the mailbox just in case I didn't wake up to you. I didn't have anyone to help put in the balloons and I have long nails and keep splitting them lol, but they are all wrapped it just needs to go in the balloon," an SMS from Follett to the woman read.
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In another tapped phone call, about two weeks later, Follett was recorded agreeing to place 50 buprenorphine strips - about two grams - into a package.
Follett was then contacted on March 17, 2020, by another member of the syndicate, Bradley Thompson, who inquired if she could access another 50 buprenorphine strips.
She agreed she could, and was aware they were intended to be sent to the Wellington Correctional Centre.
Police raided Follett's home in Wellington in the early hours of April 2, 2020. During the search of the property, police located a number of mobile phones, drug paraphernalia and other items consistent of with drug supply, including scales, a safe, resealable bags and cash.
In the loungeroom of her home, police also located a wireless security camera on a bookshelf, and a security system near the modem. The back door had several additional locks, and a side external door which was screwed shut to prevent entry or exit.
Follett was arrested and taken to Dubbo Police Station on May 27, 2020.
In October Follett pleaded guilty to organising, conducting and assisting a drug premises, participating in a criminal group and contribute to criminal activity and supply 4.8 grams of buprenorphine.
In Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday when Follett was due to be sentenced, defence barrister Daniel Pace said his client had low self-esteem and "lost the confidence" to speak out about the syndicate her partner was running.
The court heard Follett wrote a letter of apology to the court and had struggled during her on again, off again relationship with Thompson.
"She felt obliged to commit these offences," Mr Pace said.
Mr Pace said Follett had served four months in custody, but should be in his opinion "commended" for her path to rehabilitation.
"She is an Aboriginal single mother of three children," Mr Pace said.
"She's well on the path to rehabilitation. She needs to continue to seek treatment for her mental health."
Crown prosecutor Jesse Friend said Follett had not suffered significant hardship, but that the Crown did not oppose a community-based prison sentence being imposed.
Magistrate Gary Wilson said Follett's matters were complex and wanted more time to consider the sentence.
The case will return to court on January 20, 2022 for sentence.