Brisbane doctor jailed for trafficking ‘breathtaking amount’ of drugs

Ullman became the biggest customer for certain drugs at legitimate wholesalers, ordering more than pharmacies and hospitals.

“He purchased 1567 units of Valium, which represented roughly 26 per cent of that company’s total sales of that drug,” Sherrie said.

Ullman, a hormone balancing specialist, was suspended as a medical practitioner after his arrest.

Treston heard his registration was restored, but with so many conditions, it made him unemployable.

Sherrie submitted to Treston that Ullman be sentenced to eight to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Ullman’s barrister, Jeffrey Hunter, said the prosecution had overstated the seriousness of his client’s offending, and that benzodiazepine abuse caused an “order of magnitude” less social harm than methamphetamines.

“We reject that this offending was sophisticated. Much evidence was obtained from a camera above the front door of his office,” Hunter said.

He said Ullman had naively entered into business with a bikie gang and became “entangled”.

“He arrived at work and one or more of these people would be waiting for him,” Hunter said.

“On one occasion, a former patient placed a handgun on the desk while they were speaking.”

Treston said Ullman committed serious offences and a significant breach of the trust placed in him.

“Your position as a doctor is probably the most significant aggravating factor,” she said.

“As a doctor, you must have understood the harm affected on society at large by the supply of dangerous drugs, yet you persisted.”

Treston said Ullman was now working as a labourer and earning a fraction of his previous income.

“The loss of your relationship with your family is the greatest punishment you have suffered,” she said.

Treston accepted that Ullman had worked towards his rehabilitation while on bail, and that there was no real risk that he would reoffend.

Ullman was sentenced to 6½ years’ jail and will be eligible for parole on July 5, 2028.

AAP