Kings Cross identity Adam Freeman jailed over 19kg ecstasy drug haul
Kings Cross identity Adam Sonny Freeman has been sentenced to seven years and eight months in jail for his role in manufacturing 19 kilograms of the drug ecstasy, worth about $3 million.
The 31-year-old son of the late underworld figure George Freeman fled the country in 2010 after police discovered the drugs in a van during a random breath test near the country New South Wales city of Tamworth.
"This was a result of good policing, or lucky policing," Judge Andrew Haesler said.
Freeman handed himself in to police in Thailand, and spent time at the notorious Klong Prem prison, known as the "Bangkok Hilton", before being extradited in August 2011.
In sentencing, Judge Haesler said Freeman's stint in the Thai jail "was a particularly harrowing experience that will stay with him forever".
The District Court in Sydney heard that within a week of arriving at an Australian jail, Freeman was assaulted with a can of tuna that left a 10 centimetre gash to his head.
Judge Haesler said, "Jails are violent places. Notoriety brings with it risks".
The judge noted Freeman's "troubled personal history because of his father's notoriety". George Freeman died when his son was eight years old.
The court heard Adam Freeman had issues with bereavement, an adjustment disorder and the residual effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.
"He is not to be sentenced as his father's son. He is to be sentenced in his own right," judge Haesler said.
The court heard Freeman got involved in the drug manufacturing scheme as a way to help a friend's father who was in financial strife – and whom he considered a father figure.
Judge Haesler said there was clearly a commercial interest as well, despite what he described as "foolish altruism" by Freeman.
"All the material before me bodes well for Mr Freeman," he said.
"He is unlikely to put himself in this position again."
The judge reduced the sentence by 30 per cent, taking into account Freeman's guilty plea and remorse.
"It is not for me to give this offender a lecture," he said. "He knew it would inevitably lead him to jail if he was caught."
Freeman will be eligible for parole in May 2019.
As she left the court, Adam Freeman's mother Georgina spoke to the media.
"As a parent I'm of course upset. It's always sad when a child takes a wrong turn. But lessons have been learnt. Life goes on," she said.
