Alleged drug courier Zebulon Jarrath Treble asks court for bail to fly to Thailand and manage international DJ Greg Downey
An alleged drug courier is, a court has heard, actually an international talent manager – who needs bail to fly to Thailand to back up a world-class DJ.
Police & Courts
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An alleged drug courier and meth smuggler needs his bail relaxed so he can fly to Thailand, a court has heard – because an internationally-famous DJ needs his help.
On Tuesday, Zebulon Jarrath Treble asked the District Court for permission to travel overseas, ahead of his trial in June, alongside Belfast-born electronic music producer Greg Downey.
Counsel for Mr Treble explained her client was an “international talent agent” and Mr Downey’s manager.
Mr Treble had, she explained, secured Mr Downey a spot at Unkonscious 2023, billed as “the biggest trance festival in Asia”.
“Greg Downey would like Mr Treble to be present to set up promotional opportunities before the festival and, on the day, to set up the stage and make sure it’s ready,” she said.
“Mr Downey is bringing with him other artists for whom he’s responsible … it’s his expectation that my client be present.”
Judge Michael Durrant, however, was less receptive that submission, saying Mr Treble’s request was no small matter.
“He was allegedly caught with 83.3gm of meth, 51.3gm of which was pure,” he said.
“Having his bail relaxed to work as a talent manager in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane is one thing.
“My concern is this is overseas and, if convicted, your client is facing a significant period of imprisonment.”
Mr Treble, 35, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of trafficking in a controlled drug, cultivating controlled plants for sale and possessing prescribed equipment.
He has further denied taking money from the electricity supply and money laundering – the charges arise from his arrest at Bungama, east of Port Pirie, in September 2021.
Previously, prosecutors have alleged Mr Treble was intercepted by SA Police while on his way to meet his mistress, and found to be in possession of drugs and cash.
Mr Downey – who is not alleged by police to be involved in any of allegations made against Mr Treble – is known for playing sets in New York City, Sydney, Ibiza, Shanghai, Buenos Aires and London.
At the festival, being held at Chonburi from February 7 through 10, he will play with other members of his record label, Skullduggery.
According to his social media accounts, Mr Downey played at the 2019 Unkonscious Festival as well.
On Tuesday, prosecutors said they had been “very reasonable” about Mr Treble’s work commitments, and had not opposed him travelling to other Australian cities.
They labelled the Thailand trip “unnecessary” and said Mr Downey’s “expectation did not meet the threshold” for a court’s determination of bail conditions.
Judge Durrant agreed, refused the application and remanded Mr Treble on his existing bail agreement to stand trial in June.
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