Andrew James Cappy Lambert refused bail accused of stealing surface-to-air missile launcher and firearms parts at South Plympton

A man accused of stealing a surface-to-air missile launcher which he told the court he was “keeping for scrap metal” will not be allowed out on home detention.

A man accused of stealing a surface-to-air missile launcher and gun parts which he told the court he was keeping for “scrap metal” has had his bail bid fall flat.

On Tuesday, Andrew James Cappy Lambert was denied home detention bail in the Adelaide Magistrates Court and will now remain in custody.
Last week, Mr Lambert asked the court to release him on bail so he could continue caring for his elderly jack russell dog.

SA Police say they seized a number of firearm parts during a search at a South Plympton property. Picture: SA Police

“My father passed away last month at Port Pirie, and I’ve got a 15-year-old jack russell at home and I need to look after him,” he said.

“The police already told me the missile thing wasn’t real, that it didn’t even work … I thought it was from an army surplus place.

“I was just keeping it all for scrap metal, that’s all.”

Mr Lambert, 55, of South Plympton, has yet to plead to charges including serious criminal trespass and theft.

Police allege that, during a search of his home late last year, officers found an empty surface-to-air missile launcher and an empty dual carrier for missiles.

One of the items seized allegedly included a stolen empty surface-to-air missile launcher. Picture: SA Police

Mr Lambert was remanded in custody until next week, pending a home detention bail report: SA Police

They further allege officers found firearm parts including rifle barrels, magazines, firing pins and trigger assemblies, and that all of the items had been stolen from another house.

Prosecutor Chloe Kourakis opposed Mr Lambert’s release on bail, owing to the seriousness of his alleged offences.

Mr Lambert’s counsel, meanwhile, said their client had “limited recent criminal history” and a stable residence, making him a suitable candidate for supervised release.

Mr Lambert was refused bail and his charges were adjourned until next month.