It is now commonplace for magistrates to not record a conviction when an accused has had a rough upbringing. (Condom concealment, 12/2). I acclaim Magistrate Alan Railton from the Gosford Local Court for showing leniency to a young woman smuggling drugs into a music festival. He is in possession of all the facts and is respected accordingly. Unfortunately, the public exposition of the accused’s past must cause greater shame and self-loathing than being convicted. An innate low self-esteem that drove the woman to drugs in the first place is not improved by the court process. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 13Feb2020.