Opioid epidemic, drug abuse concept Crime by Grace Mason Premium Content Subscriber only A "HOPELESS" opioid addict who was recruited into an alleged Cairns heroin ring has been released on parole after a year behind bars. Disability pensioner Neal Purdon, 64, was an easy target for the syndicate's alleged bosses Wade Wigram and Brooke Fitzgerald to enlist to deal the substance for several months in late 2019, the court heard. He pleaded guilty in the Cairns Supreme Court to drug trafficking, possession, weapons possession and failing to properly dispose of a syringe on Thursday. Fitzgerald has been listed for sentencing, while Wigram is disputing his charges and has been committed to stand trial.