JAIL FOR DRUG RING LIAISON OFFICER

WESTERN AUSTRALIA - An Aboriginal police liaison officer, who played a
pivotal role in a drug syndicate in the north of Western Australia,
has been jailed for 18 months.

WA's District Court was told how Revel Ronald Oakley, 51, was a key
player in the potential sale of cannabis in Carnarvon and surrounding
areas, by providing tip-offs of any police interest in the drug ring.

Other members of the syndicate, including Oakley's de facto wife,
niece and friend, earlier received suspended jail sentences.

But Judge Valerie French said Oakley's conviction, following a trial
last month, deserved a prison term.

At the hearing, prosecutor Marina Georgevic told the court the role of
Aboriginal police liaison officer in the area was a trusted one.

"The offender was a serving Aboriginal police liaison officer with a
certain degree of responsibility and trust associated with that
position. The conviction shows an abuse of that trust," Ms Georgevic
said.

Defence lawyer William Harris said that although Oakley was attached
to the police force, his role was not akin to that of a police officer.

"They're not paid the same, in fact they're paid at a very small
portion of a constable's wage and it appears, obviously, that he was a
security risk and has lost his employment," Mr Harris said.

Oakley, who was convicted on one count of conspiracy to possess
cannabis with intent to supply, was made eligible for parole.