ONE of the men at the centre of Tamworth's "ice castle" investigation has had his bail changed to go and live in Victoria.
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Peter Trompa has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to supply a firearm to someone unauthorised to possess it.
Trompa, who was granted bail in August, appeared in Tamworth Local Court, where he lodged a bid to move to Victoria and have his reporting conditions suspended.
"He won't be able to report in Victoria, as I understand it," Legal Aid solicitor Alex Floyd said.
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The court heard the defence was considering the brief of evidence and the case would be ready to progress in December.
"He's going to reside in Victoria is he, and that's not opposed?" Magistrate Julie Soars asked.
"Yes, your honour," DPP solicitor Max Dickson replied.
Ms Soars varied the bail because there was no opposition, but she said Trompa would have to front court in person in Tamworth in December.
CO-ACCUSED IN NEGOTIATIONS
Co-accused Luke Anthony Downs remains bail-refused, but his solicitor said his case had progressed and asked for the matter to be adjourned.
"In that time, [we're] hopeful that the matter will be resolved ... in terms of negotiations," the solicitor told the court.
Detectives allege the 28-year-old supplied almost 170g of methylamphetamine, or ice, with an estimated street value of $84,000.
Police allege Downs was an "upper-level" supplier and "also involved in the unlawful possession and use of firearms".
Mr Dickson said more time was needed before the charges could be certified, and an adjournment would allow the case to marry up with the co-accused.
More than 25 people remain before the court on more than 150 drug supply, possession and firearms-related charges.
"This is a matter that is under the periphery of the Strike Force Radius," Mr Dickson said.
Mr Dickson told the court six of Downs' charges had been confirmed, "then further items were served as part of the new charges" and some of the new evidence related to the existing ones.
"I'll mark him as bail not applied for, refused today," Ms Soars said.
It's the police case Downs "controlled a network of lower-level suppliers" and actively participated in the group, directing activities of the alleged ring.
Police allege Downs also recruited persons to engage in criminal activity between September last year and February this year, when he was arrested on the initial charges.
Between December 31 and January 1, he's also accused of using a carriage service to threaten to kill and making threats against a couple in Tamworth; intimidation; breaching a firearm prohibition order by acquiring and using a shotgun; and causing danger with a firearm, along with unauthorised possession of a firearm.
The Tamworth men are accused of being involved in what's been dubbed the Tamworth "ice castle" drug and gun supply ring, which was allegedly operating out of a Petra Avenue housing commission unit.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
