Taylor fined for drugs charges

Former Catalans forward Dave Taylor has been fined $1000 after he pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine.

Taylor was charged with two counts of possessing the party drug, but the judge agreed not to record convictions.

Crown prosecutor Mark Whitbread said the quantity of cocaine Taylor had in his possession was “clearly for personal use”.

According to The Courier-Mail, defence solicitor Campbell MacCallum said Taylor had co-operated with authorities and demonstrated his remorse by pleading guilty early to the charges.

MacCallum said his client had completed a drug and alcohol rehabilitation course called ‘Back in Control’.

He claimed the stress of the charges and media coverage had caused Taylor’s marriage to break down, his reputation had been badly damaged and he had lost 80% of his earnings.

He said it was unclear whether the NRL would re-register Taylor to play next season.