Batemans Bay man sentenced after drug and explosives charges

Edmond James Jackson, 54, was sentenced at Batemans Bay Local Court following charges involving prohibited drugs and explosives. Jackson had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing a prohibited drug and one charge of possessing, supplying, or making explosives for an unlawful purpose.

Jackson was accepted into the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program. Due to a positive MERIT report and his active engagement with the drug and alcohol counseling service Pathways, Judge Doug Dick sentenced him to a one-year community corrections order for the drug possession charges without a fine.

Regarding the explosives charge involving gunpowder, Judge Dick noted the seriousness of the offense. Jackson received a one-year community corrections order and a $1,000 fine for the explosives charge. The gunpowder was ordered to be forfeited and destroyed.