Fish man on drugs charge

A FORMER fish- andchip shop owner, on bail for drug and dishonesty matters, was arrested again after police allegedly found stolen property and drugs in his home.

Max Pelinkovic, 37, of Bellnore Dve, Corio, appeared i n Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday f a c i n g new charges and another bail hearing.

Police prosecutor, Leading Senior Constable Geoff Lamb, said Mr Pelinkovic was arrested on June 1 3 , charged with handling stolen goods and bailed to appear on July 31.

He said Mr Pelinkovic was charged again on August 15 over property believed to be the proceeds of crime and was bailed until October 3.

He said Mr Pelinkovic was stopped by police at Williamstown on October 2 and was in possession of cannabis, methamphetamine and an imitation handgun.

‘‘He was also bailed on those matters,’’ SenConstable Lamb said.

He said police searched Mr Pelinkovic’s home on October 17 following allegations he was receiving stolen property.

They found property believed stolen, methamphetamine, cannabis, a notebook of names and amounts and digital scales.

Lawyer Domenic Care said the imitation firearm found in Mr Pelinkovic’s possession was a cigarette lighter.

‘‘He purchased it from the Apco service station on Bacchus Marsh Rd,’’ Mr Care said.

He said Mr Pelinkovic was prepared to go on the court’s credit bail program and provide a $5000 surety.

Magistrate Ian von Einem remanded Mr Pelinkovic in custody until October 23, to undergo assessment for credit bail.