Port Macdonnell man charged with drug trafficking released on home detention

A man who allegedly jumped a fence and fled when police arrived to search his home has appeared in court charged over nearly 1kg of meth.

A Port Macdonnell man who allegedly attemped to flee police by jumping a fence during a drug raid has been released on home detention.

Police attended Joshua Paul Richardson’s property on January 17, where they allegedly discovered nearly 1kg of meth during a search.

On Thursday, Mr Richardson, 42, faced Mount Gambier Magistrates Court charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of a controlled drug and cultivating more than the prescribed number of cannabis plants.

The court heard he attempted to flee police when they arrived, jumping the fence surrounding his property and running into the surrounding scrub.

During their pursuit, police allegedly discovered several packets of methamphetamines hidden inside PVC pipes laying by the fence.

Inside the house, police discovered six cannabis plants, a large amount of cash and more meth, bringing the total amount found up to 834 grams – more than eight times the amount of what can be classed as a commercial quantity.

The court heard Mr Richardson has been previously convicted of drug trafficking in 2016 and appeared in court in 2022 for a slew of other charges.

“His history is shocking,” the prosecution said.

He was released on home detention bail with the condition he immediately rectify elements of his property that could prevent police and court-appointed visitors from accessing it at any time while he is on bail.

Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos said she was “taking into account the lengthy district court process” and acknowledged the matter likely wouldn’t be resolved in court until 2025.

“You are the writer of your own destiny,” Ms Kossiavelos said.

“But be warned if you appear before me in court again for a breach of bail conditions, this leniency will go out the window.”

Mr Richardson’s next court appearance will be in October.