A FORMER national motorcycle champion was yesterday remanded in custody on 28 charges related to a small arsenal of weapons and ammunition police seized this week following a raid on a storage shed near Bathurst.
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Luke Johnson, 26, of Oaklands Drive, was the national 125cc motorcycle champion in 2003 and 2005 and 250cc champion in 2007. He was arrested as he walked in Bathurst’s main street late on Thursday afternoon.
Last Easter Johnson rode a Honda in the Unlimited P4 class to finish runner-up in the Barry Sheene Memorial at Eastern Creek.
Yesterday morning Chifley local area command police led Johnson to the dock at Bathurst Court House where he was facing 28 charges related to firearms, with further allegations of possession of prohibited drugs and drugs paraphernalia pending.
Police opposed bail, saying they allegedly found a .22 calibre semi-automatic pistol; Bruno bolt-action .223 calibre long arm with scope; lever-action .22 calibre rifle; black assault style, pump-action shotgun; black assault-style, semi-automatic shotgun; and can of capsicum spray inside the secure storage shed on Corporation Avenue, Robin Hill.
They also alleged there were thousands of rounds of ammunition and various gun parts including barrels, stocks and trigger mechanisms, SKS magazines and silencers that police seized, allegedly from the shed.
While there had been no charges laid in yesterday’s court hearing, police also allege they seized a body armour vest, ammunition, prohibited drugs and drug paraphernalia during a search of a house at Llanarth.
Solicitor Victoria Moppett said Johnson’s arrest followed the execution of warrants on a storage unit where a number of firearms had been found.
Ms Moppett said Johnson was likely to plead not guilty. He was seeking legal advice over the execution of a search warrant on his home where it was alleged illegal drugs had been found.
“He has lived in Bathurst four to five months,” Ms Moppett told the registrar. “He’s employed as a builder full-time after working in mines at Hill End until they shut. He’s always had full-time employment.”
In unsuccessfully applying for bail, Ms Moppett said Johnson could offer bail up to $5000 and comply with a curfew.
The registrar said it would only be a short adjournment of Johnson’s case until Monday, February 21 and the community had to be protected.