No bail after 2kg meth bust
A MAN allegedly found with 2kg of meth in a parked car has been denied bail, despite his lawyer arguing that police evidence lacked “meat on the bones”.
Defence barrister Michael Hibble claimed during the bail application for Robert Lisle Hardy that police had only “circumstantial” evidence to tie his client to the alleged offending.
Mr Hibble’s comments come after Hardy’s Friday bail application was put on hold in order for police to review CCTV evidence.
Hardy is facing five charges, including possessing utensils and dangerous drugs, after officers found 2kg of a crystal substance in a bag during a search of a parked car on Mcilwraith St on September 14.
Hardy’s first appearance in Townsville Magistrates Court was last Wednesday, after he was arrested on the way to court for a sentence on unrelated charges.
It was heard that a further two men had been found with keys to the car the drugs were allegedly located in – with one of the men found with $22,000 cash.
Magistrate Viviana Keegan said Hardy had allegedly picked up one of the men from the airport, before driving to the hotel.
She said CCTV footage then showed Hardy helping the man take a suitcase upstairs, before returning several minutes later with a black “sports bag” which he put in the car.
The court heard the hotel was booked under Hardy’s name and the car was a private vehicle also listed under Hardy’s name, but it was not registered to him.
Ms Keegan said Hardy’s name was also said to have appeared on a ticksheet found by officers.
It was heard that the two other men who were present at the time of the search were taken into custody.
Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Peter Obermayer said that the prosecution’s case was “strong”.
Mr Hibble argued that police were attempting to connect Hardy to a “major involvement” with drugs – but he said Hardy might have just been a “customer” buying drugs from the other men allegedly involved.
Mr Hibble said Hardy may be in custody for 12 to 18 months before the case could go to trial and his client risked spending seven to eight years in jail if convicted.
Deciding she was not satisfied that Hardy should be released on bail, Ms Keegan remanded him in custody.
Hardy’s matter has been adjourned to November 29.