A MAN accused of kidnapping and supplying drugs in Tamworth and Werris Creek will stay behind bars, after he was refused bail in court.
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Scott William Newman, 31, has been housed in Tamworth Correctional Centre since he was arrested by specialist strike force police in Werris Creek last week.
He appeared via video link in Tamworth Local Court on Wednesday where Aboriginal Legal Service solicitor Gemma Ridley lodged a fresh bid for his release.
But it was opposed by police prosecutor Sergeant John Brissett who argued he should stay in custody, while he is accused of "serious offences".
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Sergeant Brissett told the court he held "concerns for the safety of the community and further offending".
Ms Ridley argued Newman should be released back into the community. She told the court he had never been in custody, but conceded the allegations were allegedly committed while he was on bail for other charges.
Despite the offer of a significant bail bond on the table, magistrate Philip Stewart denied Newman's bail application.
"Bail has been refused today," Mr Stewart told the court, citing concerns for the "safety of the community with the distribution of drugs".
Ms Ridley told the court Newman had been "lawfully employed" and had a pregnant partner, who was "supporting" him in court.
"I would say Mr Newman has a need to be in the community to prepare his case ... there is telephone intercept material he needs to listen to, which is more difficult in custody," Miss Ridley said.
"Delay is a significant factor here ... even more of a delay considering it is a strike force matter, they do take longer."
Ms Ridley offered strict bail conditions for Newman which would have seen him report to police daily; have an overnight curfew; seek alcohol counselling; and be of good behaviour.
She said Newman's mother had offered a property she owned as bond.
"She understands ... and believes Mr Newman will not offend again or do anything to risk that property," Ms Ridley said.
Mr Stewart ordered Newman to remain in custody because he wasn't satisfied "cause" had been shown, and said there was a "real likelihood" Newman might not adhere to bail conditions.
Newman has not been required to enter pleas to charges of supplying a prohibited drug; supplying drugs on an ongoing basis; supplying cannabis; and dealing with property suspected of being the proceeds of crime.
He's also accused of kidnapping by detaining a person in company with intent to obtain an advantage - a charge that carries a maximum of 20 years' imprisonment, if convicted.
A secret squad of police - code-named Strike Force Catkin - arrested Newman last Thursday, as part of an investigation into drug supply in the Tamworth and Werris Creek areas.
Newman will front court again in March.