A LABOURER has been refused bail charged with supplying hundreds of what police allege are ecstasy pills after he was stopped for a roadside test in West Tamworth.
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Sam John Reading’s bid for release was denied in Tamworth Local Court on Monday on two sets of drug supply matters. The 21-year-old is accused of supplying 200 capsules of what police allege to be MDMA, or ecstasy, as well as a back-up charge of possessing the drugs, and one count of recruiting another person to carry out criminal activity.
He was stopped by highway patrol officers in Tamworth about 1pm on Friday and tested positive to a random drug test. Police searched his car and allegedly discovered 200 capsules containing what is believed to be MDMA, as well as a further 279 capsules, about 3g of what is believed to be MDMA rock and digital scales.
The court heard Reading – who lives in Metford – was already on bail for supplying drugs after an arrest 13 days earlier in Tamworth.
According to the charges, Reading is accused of supplying 14 capsules of what is alleged to be ecstasy and behaving in an offensive manner after a confrontation in the Tamworth CBD on January 21.
“Very strong crown case by two,” Magistrate Roger Prowse said in determining bail.
“You’re on bail for drug matters and there are further allegations of drug supply. [The conditions proposed] are wholly inadequate to prevent further offending … consequently bail is refused.”
You’re on bail for drug matters and there are further allegations of drug supply.
- Magistrate Roger Prowse
The show cause bail hearing was triggered because the fresh charges were triggered while Reading was on bail but Mr Prowse said Reading had failed to show why his detention was not justified.
Reading’s solicitor Alex Floyd had argued his client had moved from Tamworth to Metford with his partner.
“He wanted to go because he thought he was getting into trouble here,” he said.
“He’s recently found out his partner is pregnant.
“He is the breadwinner in his family.”
Mr Floyd said the father-to-be was working on a trial basis as a builder’s labourer in Newcastle and was hoping to secure an apprenticeship.
He submitted his client had been “incredibly cooperative with police”, and was prepared to abide by a residential and reporting condition. He said he could post $1,500 surety, as well as a family member who could also provide $5,000.
The case has been adjourned to March.