Judge praises drug dealer's business model, although obviously quite illegal

We often like to cast criminals as dumb, but one illegal operation has really impressed a judge.

20-year-old Brodie Gary Satterley from Maroochydore, Australia, was sentenced to three years' jail with immediate parole, and was also praised for his business skills in court, according to Sunshine Coast Daily.

Brisbane Supreme Court heard Satterley -- who was 18 when he engaged in low-level drug dealing -- charged interest on debts, gave price guides on product, discounts, and refunds when there were complaints.

He also advertised that he had a high-quality product, asked for customer feedback, and even put together business strategy meetings.

Justice Ann Lyons told Satterley, "it obviously wasn't the best business, but it's a good business model."

"You obviously could do very well in business because you clearly are quite intelligent," she added, according to the paper.

"Can I say that if you actually did some more study you could really make something of yourself? So please don't come back to court again."

Satterley was caught in June 2015, when he was found to be under the influence in a parked car, where police discovered drugs and that he was dealing via his mobile phone.

A tough upbringing, a determination to turn his life around, and a lack of criminal activity (as well as drug use) in the last two years were listed as reasons why Lyons didn't send the young man to jail.

That, and she seems to really respect the hustle. Just minus the drugs.