James Robert Harvey, 35, of Boyd Street, appeared before registrar Mark Nicholls yesterday facing 16 charges relating to a police raid on Thursday.

Harvey has been charged with handling explosives without a licence, possessing an unauthorised pistol, not keeping firearms safely, possessing ammunition without a licence, possessing a prohibited weapon without a permit, and the supply and possession of a prohibited drug.

He is also charged with the possession of goods suspected of being stolen. 

Officers from Chifley local area command raided the home on Boyd Street following an investigation into drug and property crime.

Police will allege they seized nearly 25 grams of crystal meth (ice), 20 ecstasy tablets, 90 grams of cannabis leaf and about $5000 in drug money.

They also allege they found an illegal handgun and ammunition, plus a knife and large bag of illegal fireworks.

Officers at the scene were forced to call on the services of a local reptile handler to remove a diamond python and a corn snake from inside the home.

Sergeant Jones told yesterday’s hearing that police opposed bail, saying the 16 charges “speak for themselves”.

Sgt Jones said police would allege there was a large quantity of drugs as well as firearms found at the house, and evidence that the accused was dealing drugs within the community.

He said there was also evidence Harvey was receiving stolen property and, as such, posed a significant risk to the community.

He said $5000 in cash allegedly found at the house was under investigation by police, and was possibly the proceeds of criminal activities by the accused.

Police will further allege a Yamaha Pee Wee 50 found at the property had been confirmed as stolen and inquiries were also being made about the origins of two snakes found at the house.

Harvey’s solicitor Mark Ireland said his client had been a Bathurst boy for many years and his mother and partner were in the court to support him.

He said Harvey was a devoted father of two children, lived in Bathurst and was not a flight risk.

On the question of bail, Mr Ireland said Harvey’s history spoke for him because “despite a substantial criminal history he always comes back to court when required to do so”. 

Mr Ireland said his client was happy for the court to impose a curfew and said his mother would place a surety of $500.

In addition, Mr Ireland said his client had a full-time job and it was evident by his demeanour in the court that he was concerned.

“He is not likely to reoffend and he is innocent until proven guilty,” he said.

Mr Nicholls granted bail, taking into account Harvey’s ties to the community, and the fact he had no failures to appear.

He said he was satisfied Harvey would attend court and there were reasons for bail to be given, including the fact Harvey had shared custody of two children.

He was granted bail with strict conditions, including daily reporting, a curfew and for Harvey to be of good behaviour.

A $500 surety was also deposited at Bathurst Court House by Harvey’s mother. Harvey will reappear before Bathurst Local Court on Monday, December 9.