A TAMWORTH man has been charged with firearm offences as part of an ongoing investigation by local detectives.
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David Criddle, 42, appeared in the dock of Tamworth Local Court and smiled at family members seated in the court as he was granted bail after spending almost a week in custody.
He is facing charges of custody of a knife and possessing an unregistered firearm in a public place and an unauthorised firearm relating to an alleged incident in early November in South Tamworth. He is pleading not guilty.
Legal Aid solicitor Wendy McAuliffe lodged the fresh bail application for her client.
She told the court Section 74 issues – or the change in circumstances test to lodge a new bail application once one has already been denied – had been overcome.
The court heard the bail application was not a show-cause bid – where the accused has to show why his detention is not justified under the state’s bail laws – but they were “serious firearms” charges.
She submitted a list of proposed bail conditions, which wasn’t opposed by police.
“I now propose to grant you strict conditional bail,” Magistrate Julie Soars told the court.
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As part of Criddle’s bail, he must report daily to police, must live in Tamworth, and is subject to a curfew and enforcement condition.
Police prosecutor, Sergeant Alix Thom, said the case had been referred to the DPP because of the serious nature of the charges, but they were still being handled by police.
“There is an outstanding ballistics report that my friend would be aware takes some time,” Sergeant Thom told the court.
There is an outstanding ballistics report that my friend would be aware takes some time.
- Police prosecutor Sergeant Alix Thom
Ms Soars ordered police to compile a brief of evidence and adjourned the case to January.
Criddle, 42, was charged following an investigation into an incident at a South Tamworth property in early November.
Police searched the house, and items that officers claim were associated with the alleged offences were seized and are being examined.
Criddle faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment if found guilty
In NSW, possessing a firearm that is not registered carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment but possessing an unregistered firearm in a public place has a maximum penalty of 10 years behind bars.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
