Duane Edward Blandford 39, of Oxley Place, was not in custody when he arrived in Orange Local Court on two charges of possessing a prohibited drug.

His solicitor Jane Murray acknowledged that drugs were an ongoing issue for Blandford.

“Mr Blandford is aware that he’s skating on thin ice,” Ms Murray said.

Blandford also appeared in court for driving while disqualified and although Ms Murray said he hasn’t continued to drive while disqualified, magistrate David Day said he was in breach of a bond he was issued last year in Orange District Court. 

Mr Day said although Blandford had a lengthy criminal history, his driving was not as common as his drug convictions.

He then revoked the previous good behaviour bond and reinstated it for a further 12 months with supervision.

However, first he will have to complete a four-month non-parole period as part of a seven-month jail sentence he was given for the two drug possession charges.

“Mr Blandford since 2009 has nine convictions, there are some supply matters which caused him some grief in 2016, he managed to have those matters as suspended sentences, they have expired, he just continues to possess prohibited drugs,” Mr Day said.

On December 7, police were patrolling in Margaret Street when they saw Blandford walking along the road near Lords Place at 12.05am.

They stopped and spoke to him and decided to search him and his backpack.

The police found a small amount of cannabis in his wallet, which he said he smoked for back pain.

They also found a buprenorphine patch, which is an opioid patch used to treat severe pain.

According to police facts, Blandford said he found the patch on the ground and picked it up to stop children from getting their hands on it.

He also denied using buprenorphine patches saying it was a ‘downer’ and he preferred to use amphetamines and cannabis.  

Mr Day said Blandford’s previous drug offences aggravated his offending and he was deemed unsuitable for community service.

He also said Blandford needs access to drug and alcohol treatment.