Mark Standen found guilty at drugs trial

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Former NSW crime fighter Mark Standen has been found guilty of plotting to import 300 kilograms of pseudoephedrine into Australia.

Standen, 54, was also found guilty of taking part in the supply of 300 kilograms of the substance, which is used in the manufacture of illegal amphetamine drugs, and guilty of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

After a trial that began in March, the NSW Supreme Court jury retired on Monday afternoon and delivered its verdicts today.
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Mark Standen is led away from the NSW Supreme Court after being found guilty of involvement in a drug importation plot. Photo: Brendan Esposito

Standen, a former assistant director of investigations for the NSW Crime Commission had denied conspiring with drug trafficker turned informant James Kinch and food wholesaler Bakhos "Bill" Jalalaty, between early 2006 and June 2008, to import pseudoephedrine, used to make speed and ice.

He also denied the charges of supplying pseudoephedrine and perverting the course of justice.

The Crown alleged Standen's desperate financial plight led to his involvement in the crimes.

Standen, who appeared ashen when he was led into the dock, did not show any emotion when the guilty verdicts were handed down.

Before being led away, Standen exchanged a few words with his two brothers who had regularly attended his trial.

Justice Bruce James commended the 11-member jury, saying he knew they had all experienced hardship during the trial.

He said they had been told that the trial was expected to last for 14 weeks but it had run for almost five months.

"I know that at least one time during the trial you thought the trial might last indefinitely," he said.

He would recommend that all the jurors be permanently exempted from future jury service, he said.

Standen's sentencing hearing will be mentioned before the judge on September 1.

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/mark-stand...811-1inr7.html