BGC lawyer Ryan Richard Hawkins fined over meth possession ahead of child exploitation material sentencing

A former BGC lawyer awaiting sentencing over a haul of child exploitation material has been fined over charges related to possession of meth. Ryan Hawkins, who worked at the construction giant before his arrest, has also had a charge relating to indecently recording a child dropped ahead of his District Court sentencing hearing next month. Hawkins was told the charge would be discontinued due to insufficient evidence while appearing in the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday. Hawkins previously pleaded guilty to eight other charges at a hearing in July. Six of those relate to child exploitation material. He will be sentenced on those offences in the District Court on September 27. Magistrate Sarah Oliver fined Hawkins $400 for the last two charges on Thursday — which included possession of meth and paraphernalia. The court heard detectives had found meth in a clip-seal bag and a glass smoking implement wrapped in a blue towel and stashed in a spare tyre while executing a search warrant on his car on May 23 at a building in Osborne Park. Detectives had swooped on the address at 12.30pm to arrest Hawkins for a string of child abuse material offences. Magistrate Oliver said due to the “small quantity” of meth, early guilty plea and having no prior record, Hawkins would have a discounted penalty and a spent conviction. Appearing via video link from Hakea Prison and represented by defence lawyer Neville Barber, Hawkins only spoke to acknowledge he was aware of the charge being dropped. Outside of his legal work Hawkins had been involved in the North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club, was a former director of Little Athletics WA and was also a board member of the charity Miner’s Promise. If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.