A cash-strapped former Queensland prison guard caught up in a steroid supply ring has avoided a stint behind bars after pleading guilty in a Queensland court.
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Ex-Arthur Gorrie prison officer Billie Raven John Siolo, 28, pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday to possessing and supplying steroids.
Siolo was in financial difficulty when he agreed to hold the steroids for his flatmate and the leader of the steroid ring - both of whom have been dealt with separately by the court.
In return, Siolo would receive a slice of the profits when the drugs were sold, the court was told.
Siolo was caught with just over 50 grams of steroids and a small amount of cannabis when he was arrested in November 2018.
Defence barrister Ben Power said the charges cost Siolo his job and he had struggled to find work since his arrest.
He said his client has reconnected with his Samoan heritage and had the traditional message "May God be the light of Samoa" prominently tattooed on his head.
Justice Peter Flanagan said the steroid ring was not "sophisticated or successful" but acknowledged Siolo had worked to turn his life around.
Siolo was handed 12-months' imprisonment to be wholly suspended.
Australian Associated Press
