A MAN addicted to amphetamines has admitted to supplying drugs and hiding a gun, after a raid on his Tamworth home last year.
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Jake Field had originally denied several charges against him and was due to go to hearing in Tamworth Local Court on Thursday but reversed his pleas and admitted to four offences.
Field was arrested by Tamworth Target Action Group police in September, 2014, after officers stormed his Maxwell St home during an early-morning raid.
Court documents state that when officers made entry to the home, “police could hear the toilet flush”.
Officers went to the bathroom, observed Field “exiting the toilet” and found four resealable bags floating on top of the bowl.
At the time, Field told police the bags had fallen out of his pocket when he “went to the toilet” and had contained “speed” for his own personal use.
According to court documents, “the accused by his own admissions is a heavy daily amphetamine user”.
Police, who were investigating allegations of drug supply from the home, conducted a sweep of the house and uncovered a .22 rifle with a scope hidden behind a cabinet in the dining area. Checks revealed the firearm’s serial number had been rubbed back and removed.
Digital scales, resealable bags, an amount of methylamphetamine, an iPhone, a Samsung phone, and a box of 49 .22 ammunition rounds were also seized from the home.
Officers also found $800 cash in a wallet in a bedroom, which Field and another resident of the home had claimed was money being saved for Christmas presents.
Field, who according to court documents is unemployed and on government benefits, was charged with dealing with property suspected of being the proceeds of crime.
He admitted to the charge on Thursday afternoon.
He will also be sentenced on charges of supplying a prohibited drug, possessing a firearm with an altered ID, and not keeping the firearm safely, stemming from the raid.
A charge of possessing drugs and ammunition was withdrawn and dismissed during the brief proceedings.
Field, who was supported by family in court, will now be sentenced in November.
“He’s had quite a difficult upbringing,” solicitor Yvonne Phillipos told the court, requesting a pre-sentence background report.
“There are a quite a few issues that should be addressed.”
The court heard Field is in custody on other offences, which are being prosecuted by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“I will refuse bail formally today,” Magistrate Michael Holmes said.
“Any time he spends in custody will be taken into account.”