CHARGES have been dropped against one of the men at the centre of an alleged ice drug supply ring, as solicitors negotiate plea deals with some of the co-accused.
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Brandon Reed faced 10 drug supply charges and one count of dealing with more than $21,000 in cash, suspected payment for criminal activity.
DPP solicitor Cat McKay withdrew all charges against Reed in Tamworth Local Court on Wednesday.
“The accused is just discharged in relation to these matters,” she said.
Reed will remain in custody until October 19 to finish out a previous sentence but gave a thumbs up to co-accused Travis Wilson in court.
One of three on bail, Wilson had six of his charges withdrawn by Ms McKay. He was then committed for trial on a charge of supplying a firearm to a person unauthorised to possess it.
Magistrate Julie Soars ordered he appear in Tamworth District Court in September.
Another co-accused, former bull-rider Jordan Lane Robb is accused of supplying more than 280g of the drug ice in East Tamworth between June 12 and September last year.
Accused of dealing with property proceeds of crime and five other counts of supplying the drug in the same period, Lane-Robb was arrested following raids in September.
Detectives allege he handled more than $50,000 in cash to buy the drug knowing it was derived from crime.
Lane-Robb’s defence solicitor Yvonne Phillipos said some of the charges appear to overlap. His case was adjourned to next month.
The main target of Strike Force Delaney, Ben Woodard remains behind bars facing 15 charges.
Defence solicitor Ben Curnow told the court a new offer has been made by the DPP last week.
It’s my understanding the quantum of stolen material was wrong and inquiries were to be made.
- Solicitor Ben Curnow
“It’s my understanding the quantum of stolen material was wrong and inquiries were to be made,” Mr Curnow told the court.
The court heard police will decide whether to proceed with one charge. Ms Soars granted the adjournment and ordered the case to return to court in September.
Woodard is accused of dealing in more than $200,000 in cash that investigators allege is the proceeds of crime, and supplying more than 1.1kg of the drug ice.
He has been in custody since he was arrested in a police sting on September 10, last year, and made no application for bail on Wednesday.
The fifth co-accused, Josie Taylor, appeared in Tamworth court via video link from Woolongong Legal Aid.
The court heard negotiations are continuing and she will return to court next month.
She remains on bail.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
