Albany man awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to eight charges of offering to supply meth

An Albany methamphetamine dealer has pleaded guilty to eight counts of offering to sell or supply the illicit drug. Michael Murray Hopkinson, 33, appeared in Albany Magistrates Court last Thursday via video link from Albany Regional Prison, pleading guilty to the eight charges. Hopkinson also pleaded guilty to 12 other offences, including stealing room keys from three short-term accommodation premises in Albany, two charges of possessing a weapon, two counts of possessing a prohibited drug, two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia, and one count of no authority to drive. The court was told the offences breached a suspended prison order and it was likely the Albany man would receive a prison sentence. Hopkinson offered to supply varying quantities of meth from June 14- 20 in Bayonet Head. The quantities ranged from 0.5g-3.5g, the court heard. He was arrested on July 6 under suspicion of possessing prohibited drugs with intent to sell or supply. Police requested he undertake a drug test as the driver of the vehicle but refused. He was driving on a suspended licence at the time. Magistrate Dianne Scaddan said she wanted to review the court transcript from when Hopkinson was given a suspended prison term before handing down her sentence. He is due to be sentenced on October 8.