Steven Thomas Bell released from custody on drug trafficking charge to care for sick father

An alleged meth trafficker who made drugs ‘a huge part of his life’ has been released after six months to care for his father.

An alleged drug trafficker involved in the sale of 80g of methamphetamine has been released on bail to care for his very sick father.

Steven Thomas Bell, 30, appeared by video link in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday, charged with drug trafficking.

Bell’s lawyer, Stacey Carter asked the court for the charge to be dismissed, given that Bell’s father was in a critical condition and there were continual delays with prosecution determining the charge.

The court heard Bell had been in custody since June 30.

“(Bell’s father has) recently had a very horrific surgery and is in such discomfort that he doesn’t even appear to be able to hold a phone, cook for himself and care for himself,” Ms Carter said.

“Mr Bell has been very worried about his father during his time of custody.”

A prosecutor said the delay in the case moving forward was waiting for the fingerprints to be analysed, as well as certificate of analysis of the drugs allegedly found, which they had just received.

“The certificate of analysis shows that it’s approximately 80g of methamphetamine,” the prosecutor said.

“We also have text messages from both this accused and the co-accused, both indicating that they were participating in the sale of drugs.”

Steven Bell was released on bail in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, charged with drug trafficking. Photo: AAP Image/Morgan Sette

Bell, of Oaklands Park, is charged with three counts of trafficking a controlled drug.

He is yet to enter any pleas.

Chief Magistrate Mary-Louise Hribal said she wouldn’t dismiss the charge, considering the strength of the prosecution case.

Ms Carter then asked for Bell to be granted supervised bail in Macclesfield so he could take his father to medical appointments.

“Given the delays, I’m not opposed to that,” the prosecutor said.

Ms Hribal granted bail, with a condition that Bell would be drug tested.

“I know drugs have been a huge part of your life and a big problem,” she said.

“But you’ll be urine tested and if you use, you’ll breach your bail and it’ll be very difficult for you to get bail again.”

The charges were adjourned until January 18.