Kick boxer to be sentenced

TAMWORTH’S World Champion kick boxer, Ben Burrage, will be sentenced in Tamworth Local Court next month after pleading guilty to charges of possession of weapons and drugs in Tamworth Local Court yesterday. 

Facts from the case revealed Burrage was stopped by police on the New England Highway near Willow Tree on March 24 this year for the purpose of a random breath test. 

Court papers reveal upon passing over his licence as part of the test the police officer noticed Burrage was shaking. 

He returned a negative blood test but was asked by the officer if he had any drugs, cash or weapons in the vehicle, after the officer explained it was not uncommon for such items to be found in vehicles travelling the highway.

Burrage answered no to the question and agreed to allow officers to search his Mitsubishi Magna. 

During the search officers located a toiletry bag inside an overnight bag in the boot and upon opening the bag police found an unmarked white tablet bottle with a large amount of heart-shaped blue tablets inside. 

When questioned about the tablets Burrage told police they were painkillers prescribed by his doctor for the constant pain he was in as a result of kick boxing. 

The police continued to search the car and found a yellow “butterfly” knife in the driver door and three throwing knives in the glove box. 

Burrage was allowed to move on after being stopped because police did not know what type of drugs the tablets were. 

At that time he admitted possession and ownership of the weapons. 

The tablets were confiscated and sent for analysis. 

On April 2 police contacted the doctor Burrage said had provided him the tablets. 

Dr Neil Halpin told police he had never seen the tablets before. 

On April 13 Burrage was stopped again by police for an RBT, this time in Kootingal. 

He was asked about the drugs found in the previous vehicle search and that Dr Halp in had revealed he had no knowledge of the tablets. 

At that time Burrage revealed to police he had purchased the tablet from a chemist in Thailand on a recent trip. 

On May 21 results of tests on the drugs were returned to police. 

The tests revealed the 785 tablets, weighing 104.3 grams, were Methandienone – steroids. 

At a previous appearance in Tamworth Local Court, Burrage had pleaded not guilty to the charges. 

Yesterday he changed his plea to guilty. 

The matter was adjourned to Tamworth Local Court on November 27 for sentencing by Magistrate Roger Prowse. 

Notes on the court papers yesterday suggested the substance and the items had been forfeited.