Personal trainer Adam Robert Fennell sentenced for drug trafficking and money laundering

This former fitness model and personal trainer found solace in his church as he faced serious criminal charges, a court has heard.

Adam Fennell has been sentenced for his role in a drug trafficking ring. Photo: Facebook

A former fitness model who found comfort in his church while facing major indictable matters has been jailed.

Adam Fennell, 49, gave his friends and family a wave goodbye in the Adelaide District Court on Thursday after he was sentenced for his involvement in assisting Nomads traffic large volumes of drugs.

During his sentencing submissions, Judge Rauf Soulio told the court that while Fennell wasn’t the main player in the offending, he still played a significant role.

“Your role was less than Mr Cochrane and Mr Madden, who were to benefit more directly from the offending,” Judge Soulio said.

“You were providing support to the principal offenders.

Adam Fennell pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering. Photo: Courts SA

Adam Fennell pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering. Photo: Courts SA

“You were in financial difficulties and during that time you were informed of the possibility of becoming involved in an enterprise which would allow you to earn big money by completing pick-ups and drop offs.”

In November 2020, police commenced a covert operation on the Nomads motorcycle gang and its involvement into the trafficking of drugs and other offences.

In April 2021 surveillance and listening devices were installed in a Magill shed.

It was on these devices, Fennell was captured entering the shed with Nomads chapter president Beau Cochrane and fellow nomad Dion Jay Madden.

“Police overheard discussions of selling drugs include methamphetamine and heroin and the involvement of the club,” Judge Soulio said

The following day, the devices captured both Fennell and Madden entering the shed, where the two would discuss the terms of the sale, updating lists of money as well as handling large amounts of cash.

Fennell was then captured leaving the premises carrying two shopping bags suspected to contain quantities of cash.

Police attended at the premises on April 23, 2021 and found 720g of “very high purity” mixed methamphetamine, valued at up to $125,000 if sold in ounces.

They also found 702g of heroin – valued between $150,000 and $175,000 if sold in ounces.

Police also searched Fennell’s Payneham address and found $100,050 in a paper bag in the kitchen pantry.

Fennell pleaded guilty to two counts of commercial drug trafficking and money laundering in July.

Kate Budzynski, for Fennell, told the court her client had been competing in bodybuilding since 2003, as well as becoming an accredited personal trainer and working at F45.

Ms Budzynski said Fennell’s mother passing from cancer set his life into a negative spiral and he turned to drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine.

Beau Cochrane (left) and Dion Madden (right) pleaded guilty to drug trafficking.

The court heard Fennell then met Madden and Cochrane, both Nomad chapter presidents, and became their personal trainer.

Since charged with the offences, the court heard Fennell had found comfort in his church as he is an active Jehovah’s Witness.

Ms Budzynski said Fennell, who had turned his life around since the offending, had only been an associate of the club and not a member.

Cochrane was sentenced earlier this year to 17 years and nine months jail, with a non-parole period of 14 years and two months.

Madden was sentenced to 10 years and nine months jail, with a non-parole period of six years and nine months.

Fennell was sentenced to five years and five months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of two years and five months.