Plumber in program after drug arrest

Dec. 13, 2013, 4 a.m.

AN 18-year-old plumber charged over the possession of ecstasy tablets has been accepted into a drug and alcohol diversion program.

AN 18-YEAR-OLD plumber charged over the possession of ecstasy tablets has been accepted into a drug and alcohol diversion program.

Jordan Holmes pleaded guilty when he appeared before Dubbo Local Court Magistrate Andrew Eckhold.

The court was told a drug detection dog brought Holmes to police attention during a music festival at Newcastle on October 26.

The solicitor representing Holmes said the tablets were for personal use during the evening.

"Contrition has been expressed. He has been attending drug and alcohol counselling," the solicitor said.

The court heard Holmes had been accepted as suitable for the Magistrate's Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program.

MERIT provides an opportunity for adult defendants with substance abuse problems to work towards rehabilitation as part of the bail process.

Participants are closely case-managed by MERIT officers and the court receives regular progress reports.

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Plumber in program after drug arrest