Accused drug mum bailed

A WHITTINGTON mum accused of dealing ice while serving a community corrections order has been granted bail.

Trudi Butterfield, 41, walked free from a women’s prison yesterday despite a magistrate telling her lawyer he would have a “great deal of difficulty” defending the charges.

The mother-of-three had been in custody since December 6, when police raided her home, allegedly uncovering a range of items in her bedroom including resealable bags containing more than 2g of ice, 10g of cannabis and pills believed to be ecstasy.

Police said an extendible baton and firearm rounds were also found in her room, along with a range of clothing and accessories they allege were payment for drugs.

Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Kerrie Moroney told Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday a mobile phone seized by police showed a series of texts linked to suspected drug deals.

The court heard the raid also led to the arrest of a female co-accused living at the house, who police allege was in possession of more than 100 ecstasy tablets, 82g of ice, LSD tablets and $7070 in cash.

Police opposed Ms Butterfield’s application for bail and argued she was an unacceptable risk of more offending.

But her lawyer proposed several bail conditions, includ- ing that Ms Butterfield not use ice.

Despite the police’s opposition, magistrate Ann McGarvie granted bail, which requires the woman to live with her mother in St Albans Park.

“I note this is her first time in custody. I hope it scared the bejesus out of her,” Ms McGarvie said.

“If she continues on this path, her children will be motherless for a very long time.”

Ms Butterfield is planning to contest several charges, including trafficking drugs, but Ms McGarvie said the text messages tendered to court appeared to be damning evidence.

The matter will return to court on January 23.