A PARKES man arrested and charged with taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime has been bailed with strict conditions in Bathurst Local Court.
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Russell Hetherington, 62, who police allege travelled from Parkes to Bathurst to buy drugs, appeared before Magistrate Michael Allen.
It was alleged at the time of his arrest he had $10,000 in cash, predominantly $50 notes, bundled into 10 $1000 lots in his coat pocket.
Police prosecutor Phillip Donato told the court he opposed any bail application.
Sgt Donato told the court that police will allege the accused was planning to meet with a Desmond William Brown, who appeared before Mr Allen earlier in the day on a string of drug supply charges, for the purpose of buying drugs.
Sgt Donato said police evidence was legally obtained telephone intercepts between Hetherington and Brown.
Sgt Donato cited Hetherington’s lengthy record, which dated back to 1963 and included three full-time custodial sentences for the supply of a prohibited drug.
He added the accused held a pilot’s licence and owned three planes, making him a flight risk.
Hetherington’s solicitor Leigh Haywood said her client held an ultralight aircraft pilot’s licence and had planes, but they had a range of 25 miles.
Conceding Hetherington had a long criminal history, she told the court it was “utterly spent”; the last of his drug supply charges was 18 years ago.
And unlike Brown, who police are linking Hetherington to, her client had not been found possessing any drug, she said.
Ms Haywood added Hetherington was prepared to give $20,000 cash in surety, and a close family friend was able to put up another $5000 in cash.
In giving bail, Mr Allen noted Hetherington was in a stable relationship, had strong ties to the Parkes community and was able to provide surety that he would reappear before the court.
Bail was granted, the conditions including that Hetherington reside in Parkes, report to Parkes police, surrender his passport, not approach Desmond Brown, and his $20,000 security, along with the $5000 from his friend, be deposited.
Hetherington will re-appear before Bathurst Local Court on Monday, September 19.