Man’s bail trail continues after new charges laid

A CORIO dad on bail found with a loaded gun, drugs and allegedly stolen property at his home has been bailed for a third time.

The Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday a search of Gregory Downey’s home on Wednesday found a loaded sawn-off air rifle, ammunition, a cannabis plant, “dozens” of cannabis seeds, a hydroponics set-up and allegedly stolen power tools.

The court heard Mr Downey was on bail for driving charges, drug possession and going equipped to steal when the new charges were laid against him, including counts of cultivating and trafficking cannabis, and possessing proceeds of crime.

His lawyer, Michael Brug- man, told the court his client had not been convicted of drug or weapons charges.

“He’s got no history for drug possession or weapons. He says he is not a regular drug user but uses drugs socially. He is not a risk to the community,” Mr Brugman said.

Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Geoff Lamb opposed bail due to the risk of Mr Downey reoffending.

Sen-Constable Lamb said the fact the man had drugs but denied being a user added weight to police claims he was a trafficker.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie said his actions around his son were concerning.

“It’s quite concerning that he has a 16-year-old who is exposed to drug use, a sawn-off air rifle and a hydroponics setup in a shed. It’s his recent offending that is concerning,” Ms McGarvie said.

She said two rounds of bail had not changed Mr Downey’s behaviour.

“Why should I be satisfied he will obey this bail when he has already been on two sets of bail,” she said.

But she granted bail after he was approved for a program to treat drug use and mental health issues.

“If your family is a motivating factor you need to be a role model for your son,” she said.