Former Upper Hunter hotel licensee found guilty of drug and assault offences

Former Upper Hunter hotel licensee John Allen will serve a two-year intensive community correction after being found guilty of drug and assault offences.

Allen sold three small quantities of cocaine to undercover police officers at the Thoroughbred Hotel in Scone and was one of three men arrested as part of a police investigation into cocaine supply ahead the richest regional horse racing event in Australia – the Scone Cup.

The drug charge followed an assault charge for occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault at the Thoroughbred, in Kelly Street, in August 2021.

Allen, who was drink at the time, was charged with grabbing a man by the shoulder and kicking a woman in the chest while she was on the ground.

The 37-year-old was sentenced at Muswellbrook local court after changing his not guilty plea (for the assault) to guilty.

Several drug charges were dropped, with defence lawyer Craig Robinson arguing Allen was under intense stress during the pandemic.

Allen had lost both parents during the pandemic and was trying to manage a hotel that was losing money.

He also argued his client had been put through extra-curial punishment by having "his name splashed all over the media".

"You are on the brink of me sending you to full-time jail," Magistrate Kevin Hockey Hockey said.

Allen will serve a two-year intensive community corrections order, including 250 hours of community service.

He was ordered to pay a total of $2,600 in fines.

Jonathan Jackson - 14-12-22