Panagakos in meth ‘relapse’
A GOLD Coast man charged with manslaughter after the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend was allegedly busted with 50g of meth while on bail.
Christos Panagakos, who denies shooting ex-partner Ivona Jovanovic at his home in 2019, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday.
He is charged with one count each of possessing dangerous drugs, drug driving, and breaching bail.
Police allege the 30-yearold drove with an illegal drug in his system on Hotham St, Willow Vale on January 30.
The court was told Panagakos was allegedly found with about 50g of meth at the time. A purity analysis has not yet been completed.
According to court documents, it is alleged possession of the drugs breached the bail conditions placed on the Highland Park man in September, 2021.
Panagakos spent the days since his arrest in custody at the Southport watch house, with defence lawyer Michael
Gatenby making an application for his bail this week.
Mr Gatenby said he accepted there was a strong case against his client and a conviction would likely result in jail time.
He said Panagakos denied any alleged involvement with organised crime.
“I understand the basis of any plea of guilty to the possession would be on the basis it was to be shared amongst friends – it wasn’t commercial,” Mr Gatenby said.
“It’s consistent with a really tragic relapse for him.
“He suffers from anxiety and depression, and you would concede there are some significant and traumatic events that have occurred.”
Mr Gatenby said Panagakos and his mother, who supported her son in court, were both “devastated” by the alleged relapse.
The court was told Panagakos was first granted bail on the manslaughter charge in May, 2021, and had since worked to stay clean.
He said his client would enter a year-long residential rehabilitation program immediately upon his release.
Police prosecutor Jim Pedlow opposed the application, saying Panagakos continued to reoffend while on bail and was unlikely to spend too much time in custody should he be convicted.
Panagakos’ bail was granted on several conditions including that he live at the rehabilitation facility, report to police once a week, and must not drive a vehicle.
His latest charges will next be mentioned on March 14.
A manslaughter indictment is yet to be presented before the Supreme Court.