Stephen Roche granted bail after allegedly smuggling a Sydney drug lord 4600km across Australia

An Irish national who allegedly travelled 4700km across Australia with a drug trafficking fugitive hidden in his campervan has been granted bail.

Authorities arrest fugitive Hussein Chamas and two other people aboard a yacht in the Arafura Sea, off the NT coast, on January 26, 2025. Picture: AFP

An Irishman who allegedly travelled 4700km across Australia with a drug trafficking fugitive hidden in his campervan has been granted bail.

On Wednesday alleged people smuggler Stephen Frances Roche was released from Darwin Correctional Centre after being held on remand for the past 123 days.

The Irish national was allegedly part of a plot to smuggle alleged Sydney drug lord Hussein Chamas out of the country in January.

Mr Chamas was bailed to a rehab facility north of Sydney, while charged with illegally possessing a firearm, drug trafficking, and conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of methamphetamine.

It was alleged that Mr Chamas used fake court documents to fool security at the NSW rehab facility, before getting in the campervan with Mr Roche on January 8.

Over four days it is alleged the pair covered 4680km travelling along the Central Arnhem Road to the small remote community of Nhulunbuy on January 11.

The Irish national was allegedly part of a plot to smuggle alleged Sydney drug lord Hussein Chamas out of the country in January. Picture: AFP

It is alleged that as part of his plot to escape the country, Mr Chamas jumped on a yacht with 51-year-old German man, Thomas Goertz, and 42-year-old woman Jade Sui Ying Ormiston from the United Kingdom.

The trio were arrested on January 26, with Mr Chamas extradited back to NSW and Mr Goertz and Ms Ormiston were also charged with people smuggling and eventually granted bail.

Mr Roche, who had no relevant criminal history, has remained on remand for the past four months.

While the people smuggling charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, on Wednesday his barrister Richard Bryson said the 46-year-old was at risk of being “prejudiced” by his 123 days on remand.

Mr Bryson said the Commonwealth prosecution were not opposing his bail application, and the Irish national did not have any relevant criminal history.

Authorities arrest fugitive Hussein Chamas and two other people aboard a yacht in the Arafura Sea, off the NT coast, on January 26, 2025. Picture: AFP

He said Mr Roche’s daughter was still living in Queensland, while his brother was able to provide funds to support the 46-year-old as he transitioned back into the community.

Judge Sally Ozolins approved Mr Roche’s release on bail under strict conditions, including a nightly curfew, daily check ins at the Darwin Police Station, while living at the supported bail accommodation service, Open House.

She also ruled that he could not apply for any passports or approach any “international departure points”, contact any witnesses or co-accused and was banned from owning more than one mobile phone or SIM card or using any encrypted devices or applications.

His matter was listed for July 22 for a preliminary examination mention.

Originally published as Stephen Roche granted bail after allegedly smuggling a Sydney drug lord 4600km across Australia