Man jailed over $35,000 cash seizure

A Wandina man found in possession of more than $35,000 in cash deemed stolen or unlawfully obtained has been jailed for six months.

Clinton George Rattigan, 32, appeared before Geraldton Magistrate’s Court by video link from Greenough Regional Prison last week for sentencing on two counts of possessing stolen or unlawfully obtained property, one count of possessing a prohibited drug (MDMA) with intent to sell or supply, six counts of possessing a prohibited drug, two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia and one count of possessing a prohibited weapon.

The court was told the offences arose from incidents in Yardarino in August 2015 and in Wandina in September 2015.

In the first instance, Rattigan had been found with $27,100 in cash.

In the second instance, he was found with $8500.

Magistrate Donna Webb said the offending was of a serious nature, while noting Rattigan had been drug dealing to supply drugs for his own use.

On the intent to sell or supply charge, she sentenced Rattigan to six months jail concurrent.

On the possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property charges, he was also jailed for six months concurrent on each charge.

On the remaining charges, Ms Webb imposed a global fine of $1500 and made orders for the destruction of the weapon and the drug-related materials.