Brett Cugley released on home detention bail, charged with Davoren Park meth lab

A magistrate has revealed he is ‘worried’ about releasing an alleged meth cook on bail after a sophisticated clandestine lab was discovered.

The mother of an accused meth cook has put $15,000 on the line to secure her son’s freedom on bail.

Brett Matthew Cugley, 36, was granted home detention bail in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday, but had a stern warning from the magistrate.

Mr Cugley and his co-accused Graham Christian Anthony Glover, 38, have denied running a northern suburbs meth lab.

A prosecutor told the court that they were opposed to all forms of bail, as Mr Cugley was also facing a drug trafficking charge.

The court heard Mr Cugley’s home was searched on March 21, 2021 and police found just over 39g of methamphetamine, tick lists, multiple phones, and plastic resealable bags.

The court heard the alleged victim of a withdrawn blackmail charge then called police in August 2021 and informed that he had been coerced into cooking methamphetamine under threat.

The man gave police a Davoren Park address where he said methamphetamine manufacturing was taking place.

“They observed both the applicant and the co-accused Mr Glover leaving that address,” the prosecutor said.

The court heard Mr Cugley was found in possession of a notebook containing handwritten instructions on how to manufacture methamphetamine, as well as a list of chemicals and diagrams on how to set up prescribed equipment.

“That Davoren Park address was searched and a clandestine methamphetamine lab was located in the rear shed,” the prosecutor said.

The court heard Mr Cugley’s DNA was found on a pair of gloves.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court last week, Mr Cugley and Mr Glover, both of Fairview Park, pleaded not guilty to manufacturing a controlled drug for sale.

Graham Glover. Picture: Facebook

Mr Cugley has also pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and will face trial in March.

Stacey Carter, for Mr Cugley, told the court the alleged victim of the withdrawn blackmail charge was the “mastermind” behind the methamphetamine lab.

“The only reason he suggested that he was doing it under threat was because he was concerned he was going to be arrested,” she said.

Ms Carter told the court Mr Cugley had two young children with special needs.

Ms Carter said Mr Cugley’s mother “desperately needs his assistance” and could offer up to $20,000 as cash surety.

“Mr Cugley knows that his mother has put up a lot of money … I’m confident that Mr Cugley won’t let his family or his mother down,” she said.

Ms Carter said Mr Cugley planned to go straight back into work if released from custody.

Brett Cugley. Photo: Facebook

Magistrate John Wells granted Mr Cugley home detention bail but had stern words for him.

“If you use drugs or alcohol and you test positive you will be remanded in custody again with no chance of being released before trial, understood?” he said.

“Everyday magistrates make decisions that they think about and agonise about and wonder if that was the right decision.

“Today this is the decision I’m worried about.”

Mr Wells ordered Mr Cugley’s mother be a guarantor and put up $15,000 as cash surety.

“I hope that your faith in your son is justified,” he said.

The duo will appear in the District Court in September for arraignment.