A MAGISTRATE has refused bail for a Gunnedah man accused of supplying drugs, telling the court a change of address would not be enough to secure bail.
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Shannon James Bree appeared via video link in Tamworth Local Court from a cell in the Tamworth Correctional Centre.
He has been in custody since his arrest by Strike Force Orison detectives in Gunnedah in early January.
The 41-year-old pleaded not guilty to four charges of taking part in the supply of prohibited drugs during a previous mention but the court was told the crown had elected to take the matters over, meaning they were likely to be dealt with in the district court.
“The election is in relation to all four sequences,” DPP solicitor Cameron Reynolds said.
Legal Aid solicitor Wendy McAuliffe lodged a fresh application for bail during the court proceedings and said her client had work and a new address available to live with family, who were seated in court, along with his co-accused, Colleen Bree.
“The application was previously on a different address,” she said.
“At the moment he has employment and that will not continue if he remains in custody.”
Magistrate Roger Prowse said the application could only be heard if there was a change in circumstances.
“Does the crown concede that this is a change in circumstances?” he asked Mr Reynolds.
“With respect, no,” Mr Reynolds replied.
The court was told Bree was on parole at the time of the alleged offending and the parole board was meeting to determine if the parole would be revoked.
“I don’t know the outcome,” Ms McAuliffe said.
Mr Prowse said the change of address was not significant.
“The court made a decision on the 9th of January that bail was to be refused,” he said.
“Address would remain immaterial in any event.
“An address is rarely every likely to be a factor.
“Consequently bail continues to be refused.”
Strike Force Orison was set up by Oxley detectives in late-2015 to investigate the supply of methamphetamine in the Tamworth, Gunnedah and Narrabri areas.
Since January, five people have been arrested and charged with 27 offences.