Brett Cugley applied for bail, charged with blackmailing his friend to run a meth lab

A man who allegedly blackmailed his mate to set up a clan lab, forcing him to produce for 24 hours by threatening his family, wants bail to care for twin sons.

A man allegedly forced his friend to become a meth cook by threatening him and his family if he did not comply with instructions, a court has heard.

Brett Matthew Cugley, 36, applied for home detention bail in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday to care for his sons and see his dying stepfather.

The court heard the alleged victim has known Cugley since they were young and had recently rekindled the friendship.

Cugley introduced his co-accused, Graham Christian Anthony Glover, 37, to the alleged victim at a Brahma Lodge address in August 2021.

“He was told that he had to help source chemicals, glassware and manufacture methamphetamine,” the prosecutor said.

The alleged victim refused to do this.

“Mr Cugley stated ‘you can either help us or I’ll come after your family and I’ll end you’ or words to this effect.”

The court heard the alleged victim was in fear that if he did not do what they said, they would carry out their threats.

The alleged victim obtained the materials and met Cugley at an address to begin the process of manufacturing methamphetamine.

The laboratory was then moved to an address to a Davoren Park where the alleged victim and Cugley allegedly began the next steps of the production.

The court previously head Cugley had allegedly administered methamphetamine to the victim and forced him to keep producing for 24-hours.

Brett Cugley. Picture: Facebook

Graham Glover. Picture: Facebook

The alleged victim was eventually able to go home and contacted police.

“He stated to them that he had been forced to manufacture methamphetamine,” the prosecutor said.

Cugley was arrested by police and was allegedly found with a list of chemicals and instructions on how to manufacture methamphetamine.

“They did find a clandestine laboratory, including precursor chemicals in the process of being manufactured,” the prosecutor said.

Glover and Cugley are charged with blackmail and manufacturing a controlled drug.

Glover, of Fairview Park, was granted home detention bail earlier this month.

Stacey Carter, for Cugley, told the court Cugley’s stepfather was dying of prostate cancer.

“His mother is suffering significantly trying to attend all the radiotherapy appointments … whilst also trying to take care of his twin boys,” she said.

The court heard Cugley’s five-year-old sons also have medical needs.

“We do say that the complainant’s not credible,” Ms Carter said.

The court heard Cugley could live at Largs North and his mother could act as a guarantor.

Magistrate Simon Smart adjourned the application until Thursday.