THE parents of a man allegedly found in possession of guns and drugs near Walcha at the weekend offered to forfeit $20,000 for his release on bail, a court was told yesterday.
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James Ian Campbell, 22, appeared in Tamworth Local Court charged with 11 offences including drug supply and possession as well as firearm offences.
He was remanded in custody until July 11.
He was arrested on Saturday afternoon, after he was a passenger in a BMW stopped for a random breath-test. Police allegedly found three firearms and amphetamines in the car.
Campbell – a Newcastle resident – was supported in the court by his father, who had travelled for the bail hearing.
An application for bail was opposed by police prosecutor Sergeant Cynthia Donovan, who said that by law there was a presumption against bail because of the seriousness of the charges.
While she agreed Campbell only had one previous matter on his record and it was a minor offence, the crown case against him was strong, the offences were serious and there was a need to protect the community.
Campbell’s solicitor had asked that he be bailed to live with his mother and not be absent from the house unless for work or in the company of his parents. She said they had offered to forfeit $20,000 as a surety for Campbell’s release.
The court head Campbell and a friend had visited a property owned by his father in the Tamworth area, which was why there were firearms in the car when he was pulled over.
She said Campbell was held in high regard by his employers in Newcastle.
