Drug accused joins family with bail win

A MAN accused of drug trafficking with his mother and stepfather has been granted bail.

Corrin Newby, his mother Sonia and stepfather Mark Merrin were charged with a string of drug offences after a lengthy investigation by detectives.

Detectives will allege the trio were the main players of a drug syndicate trafficking cannabis for a period of 18 months.

Ms Newby and Mr Merrin, who were due to get married on the Saturday before detectives pounced, putting their plans on hold, were granted Supreme Court bail on Wednesday.

Defence lawyer Michael Hibble said there was lots of suspicion but not a lot of “concrete evidence” in relation to the trafficking and he argued Mr Newby, granted bail.

Police prosecutor Liam Wise opposed bail on the basis of risk and the nature and seriousness of the charges.

The court heard the defendant’s Kirwan address was referenced as a “safe house”.

When detectives raided the property they allegedly found “property of significant concern”.

“They’ve ultimately uncovered 1.1kg of cannabis, just shy of $59,000 in cash, and 25, should be other drug paraphernalia,” Mr Wise said.

The court heard Mr Newby also had a criminal history.

“Given the nature and the seriousness of the offences, and the criminal history, (the) prosecution submits the defendant is at an unacceptable risk of reoffending,” Mr Wise said.

Magistrate Steven Mosch granted the defendant bail.

“On balance, in my view any risk is not unacceptable and I believe it to be managed by imposing conditions akin to those imposed on his mother and stepfather,” he said.

Mr Newby, who does not have a passport, must not apply for one and must report to police three times a week.

Mr Merrin and Ms Newby appeared in court during the bail application.

The family did not comment outside of court.

THEY’VE ULTIMATELY UNCOVERED 1.1KG OF CANNABIS, JUST SHY OF $59,000 IN CASH, AND OTHER DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.