A Queensland judge has suspended the prison sentence of a 20-year-old man convicted of drug offenses, citing his youthful appearance as a factor in the decision. Justice Soraya Ryan stated that Hamish Craig Larnach's age and appearance would likely attract unwanted attention if he were incarcerated.
Larnach was arrested in October 2024 at the age of 18 after selling approximately $700 worth of MDMA to an undercover police officer. Authorities had been monitoring him after observing him offering the drug for sale on the encrypted messaging application Telegram. The transaction involved just over eight grams of MDMA with 72 percent purity.
A subsequent search of Larnach's residence uncovered an additional 11 grams of MDMA, a cannabis vape, clip seal bags, and digital scales. He pleaded guilty to one count of supplying a dangerous drug and two counts of possessing drugs.
During the sentencing hearing at Brisbane Supreme Court, Justice Ryan imposed a two-year prison sentence, which was wholly suspended. She noted that Larnach did not appear to be 20 years old and expressed concerns about the risks of custody for someone with his appearance. "My observation about your age, frankly, is about the risks of custody to someone who looks like you," the judge stated.
Justice Ryan also addressed the harms associated with MDMA use, particularly for individuals with mental health issues, a factor Larnach indicated was a reason for his drug use. The judge commented on the severe mental health consequences often seen in drug users, emphasizing that self-medication with MDMA is not a solution.
Larnach's defense lawyer, Daniel Boddice, had argued for a non-custodial sentence, highlighting his client's remorse, lack of prior criminal history, abstinence from drugs, full-time employment, and strong support network. Boddice conveyed that the arrest and subsequent legal proceedings had a significant impact on Larnach.