Tamara Gibbett released on home detention bail, charged with multiple counts of drug trafficking

An alleged dealer caught speeding away from a known drug house cut off her home detention bracelet and was at large for nine months. Now she’s been given another chance.

An alleged drug dealer who was at large for nine months was told by a judge he had taken a “pretty significant” chance on her by releasing her on bail again.

Tamara Brooke Gibbett, 30, applied for home detention bail in the District Court, after allegedly speeding away from a known drug house.

Kimberley Ballans, for the prosecution, told the court Ms Gibbett was not a suitable candidate for bail, as she had 12 previous breaches, including multiple positive drug tests.

Andrew Ey, for Ms Gibbett, said he conceded his client’s previous compliance with bail had been “somewhat appalling”.

The court heard Ms Gibbett “foolishly” removed her home detention bracelet in October 2021, before she was eventually arrested the following July and has been in custody since.

Tamara Gibbett was released on home detention bail, charged with drug trafficking. Picture: Facebook

The court heard police pulled over Ms Gibbett and another person on June 19, 2020 at Dover Gardens.

They allegedly located drugs, including marijuana and methamphetamine and cash in the car before searching her property and finding other substances.

“The drugs are found in a purse, that is also where the money is found and from memory, there’s some items that link her to that purse,” Mr Ey said.

Mr Ey said the car was pulled over by the office because it was in the vicinity of a known drug address.

“The car purportedly accelerates away upon noticing the police vehicle,” Mr Ey said.

“He (the officer) then pulls the car over, he observes the male and female swap seats.

“Plainly, Ms Gibbett turns out to be disqualified explaining that.”

Mr Ey said he conceded there were drug trafficking related messages on Ms Gibbett’s mobile phone.

“There are some images that are compromising that appear to be bags of crystalline substances back on 18 March 2020,” he said.

The Seaford Rise mother-of-two has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of drug trafficking.

Mr Ey said they would be questioning the legality of the search and due to health problems the officer may not be available for the trial in October, meaning Ms Gibbett could be waiting longer in custody.

“She wouldn’t be languishing in custody if she didn’t cut off her electronic transmitter and abscond,” Judge Kris Handshin replied.

Mr Ey said Ms Gibbett could reside with a long term friend who had been drug free for four months and could provide $5,000 cash surety.

“Whilst she’s been in custody, she’s obviously had ample time to reflect on the poor decision making,” he said.

“Importantly she’s had time to remain abstinent from drugs, which she needed, quite frankly.”

Judge Handshin said it was of some concern Ms Gibbett would be residing with someone who has had similar problems with drugs in the past.

However, he granted Ms Gibbett home detention bail, saying he was optimistic her recent abstinence from drugs reminded her of the importance of complying with conditions.

“Ms Gibbett, I’m taking a pretty significant chance in giving you another shot at bail because to be frank, your compliance history does you no credit,” he said.