R v Ballard [2026] NSWDC 297

R v Ballard [2026] NSWDC 297 concerned sentencing for supplying 17.457 kilograms of 1,4-butanediol, a large commercial quantity. The central issues were Ballard’s role in the organised transaction, the effect of childhood disadvantage, mental illness and addiction on moral culpability, parity with two co-offender drivers, and whether imprisonment should be served in custody or by Intensive Correction Order. Mahony SC DCJ found Ballard was an impulsive, subordinate driver rather than a planner or principal, placing the offence in the low range of seriousness. After a 25% guilty-plea discount, the Court imposed 18 months’ imprisonment, served by Intensive Correction Order with supervision, community service, abstinence and treatment conditions.