Couple Deon Vermey and Renee Betterman-Paltridge charged with drug trafficking

While fighting to get an alleged fantasy dealer out on bail, a lawyer was chastised by a magistrate for her ‘insulting’ submission.

An alleged drug dealer has been unsuccessful in his bail bid, while his lawyer was chastised by a magistrate for her “insulting” submission.

Deon John Paul Vermey, 25, applied for home detention bail in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday, after police allegedly uncovered fantasy and cash during a traffic stop.

Kate Budzynski, for Mr Vermey, told the court her client had the presumption of innocence.

Magistrate Simon Smart was not impressed by that submission.

“I’ve been a criminal lawyer for 30 years – do you think you need to tell me that someone charged with an offence is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty?” he asked.

“Do you think you really need to tell me that?

Magistrate Simon Smart. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Naomi Jellicoe

“You may not mean for it to be insulting but it’s insulting.”

Ms Budzynski said it was certainly not meant as an insult but it was relevant to Mr Vermey’s application, so her client also understood the process.

“You’re talking to me, you’re not talking to Mr Vermey.” Mr Smart said.

“I realise he has a presumption of innocence – continue.”

Mr Smart has been the subject of numerous in-court clashes over the years, including a fiery exchange over a delayed case in 2018.

After Mr Smart’s criticism over her adjournment request continued, the police prosecutor said “I’m done” before turning her back on him and storming out of court.

On Tuesday, the court heard Mr Vermey was employed full time as a concreter before being remanded in custody and still had the employment available to him.

Ms Budzynski told the court the charge was contested and there would be significant delays awaiting trial.

A prosecutor told the court they were opposed to all forms of bail, as Mr Vermey was allegedly in breach of his parole with the new offending.

The court heard Mr Vermey had previously been convicted of drug trafficking in April 2019.

Mr Vermey and Renee Winnis Betterman-Paltridge, 28, who are listed as in a relationship on Facebook, were stopped by police on November 11 at Northfield.

Couple Deon Vermey and Renee Betterman-Paltridge are charged with drug trafficking. Photo: Facebook

The court heard police found 245g of fantasy in the front passenger footwell of the car.

“When they stopped the vehicle they observed this accused trying to secrete the item between the seat and the front passenger door,” the prosecutor said.

The court heard police also found over $2000 in a bumbag Mr Vermey was wearing.

“When they searched his residence they found more quantities of the same drugs, they found deal bags, scales and a syringe,” the prosecutor said.

Deon Vermey was denied home detention bail. Photo: Facebook

Renee Betterman-Paltridge. Photo: Facebook

Mr Vermey, of Lightsview, and Ms Betterman-Paltridge, of Elizabeth Vale, are charged with drug trafficking.

Mr Smart denied Mr Vermey home detention, due to his risk of reoffending.

The duo will face court again later this month.