Deon Vermey and Renee Betterman-Paltridge charged with drug trafficking

A man had another blow in court on top of being banned from communicating with his girlfriend after they were allegedly caught with fantasy during a traffic stop.

An alleged drug dealer will stay behind bars after his friend declined to have him stay at his house on home detention, a court heard.

Deon John Paul Vermey, 24, is charged alongside his girlfriend Renee Winnis Betterman-Paltridge, 28, after police uncovered fantasy and cash.

Kate Budzynski, for Mr Vermey, told the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday the home detention address nominated wasn’t available.

The court heard Mr Vermey’s friend said he wasn’t willing to accommodate him and Ms Budzynski withdrew the bail application.

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

Mr Vermey and Ms Betterman-Paltridge, who are listed as in a relationship on Facebook, were charged after police found $2000 and 250ml of fantasy on November 11 at Northfield.

During Ms Betterman-Paltridge’s bail application last week, the court heard she was already on bail for another drug trafficking charge.

“That charge related to allegedly introducing drugs into Port Augusta prison,” the prosecutor said.

Mr Vermey, of Lightsview, is charged with selling a controlled drug, and Ms Betterman-Paltridge, of Elizabeth Vale, is charged with drug trafficking.

The duo are also charged with possessing a prohibited weapon.

Deon Vermey. Photo: Facebook

Renee Betterman-Paltridge. Photo: Facebook

Yan Robson, for Ms Betterman-Paltridge, said the first charge was contested and the second charge was also likely to be contested.

Ms Robson said while the car police observed was registered to Ms Betterman-Paltridge and she was the driver, the case against her client weakened after a search of the duo’s houses.

“It’s the co-accused’s house in Lightsview where … items such as scales and paraphernalia that would be indicative of drug trafficking are located,” she said.

“Whereas at her house they’ve located paraphernalia which would be more indicative of the use of the drug.”

Ms Robson said most of Ms Betterman-Paltridge’s criminal history related to the possession of drugs.

“This is effectively the first time that she has actually been in custody,” she said.

Ms Robson said Ms Betterman-Paltridge described the experience as very eye-opening and it’s shown her it’s not a place she wants to return to.

Magistrate Kym Millard said the case against Ms Betterman-Paltridge wasn’t as strong as her co-accused and granted her home detention bail.

Ms Betterman-Paltridge was given conditions not to consume any drugs or alcohol and to not communicate with Mr Vermey.

The duo will face court again in February.