Man ‘eight times over’ with five passengers | Man charged over drug lab at Netley
A man will face court after police said they caught him driving eight times over the blood-alcohol limit with five passengers, including a baby.
Police & Courts
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SA crime and emergency services news for the week starting Sunday, August 9.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
EIGHT TIMES OVER LIMIT WITH FIVE PASSENGERS
An unlicensed driver will face court after he was caught almost eight times the blood-alcohol limit with five passengers in his car at Port Augusta.
Police pulled over the driver of a Mitsubishi sedan on Eyre Highway about 12.30pm on Friday, after numerous calls from concerned members of the public.
Officers breath-tested the driver, who blew 0.394.
Further checks revealed the man did not hold a driver’s licence and there were five passengers, including a child, in the car.
The Ernabella man, 32, was charged with driving unlicensed and drink-driving. His car, pictured, was defected and impounded for 28 days.
He was issued an immediate 12-month loss of licence and was bailed to appear in court next month.
MAN ARRESTED OVER DRUG LAB
A man has been charged after a drug lab was discovered at Netley on Friday.
Just before 5.30pm on Friday, police went to a home at Ansett Ave after a call to check on the welfare of the occupant.
When patrols arrived, they found the front door of the home open. Officers entered but could not locate anyone inside.
Upon searching the home, they located chemicals and glassware in one of the rooms believed to be a drug lab. Detectives from Drug and Organised Crime Task Force processed the scene on Saturday.
The 41-year-old Netley man was found nearby and taken to hospital for a medical assessment. On Saturday he was arrested and charged with manufacturing a controlled drug.
The man is expected to be refused bail to face the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
MAN CHARGED WITH INDECENT FILMING
A Barossa Valley man has been remanded in custody accused of spying on and secretly filming children as they played near their homes.
Australian Federal Police launched an investigation after receiving a report from its Centre to Counter Child Exploitation about an SA resident who was suspected of accessing child-abuse material online.
SA Police Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team identified Richard Perrey, 42, as having allegedly obtained the “abhorrent content” and searched his Nuriootpa home on Thursday.
It is alleged police found child-abuse material stored on electronic devices and video footage of children, which included close-up shots up their skirts or shorts.
Police will allege Perrey spied on children and covertly filmed the videos. Investigators are continuing to examine seized devices.
Perrey was charged with one aggravated count of indecent filming, one count of possessing or controlling child-abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service and one count of using a carriage service to access child-abuse material
He appeared in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court via video-link on Friday, when he applied for home-detention bail. The matter will return to court next Friday.
The offences carry a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.
AFP Central Command acting Commander Gail McClure said children should be able to play safely outdoors without someone lurking in the shadows to hurt them or steal their innocence.
“The growing community appetite for child-exploitation material is horrifying, acting Commander McClure said.
“Children are being harmed and exploited to satisfy the depraved sexual impulses of some adults.
“AFP and South Australia Police continue to work tirelessly to keep children safe and unmask anyone who tries to harm or exploit them.”
Anyone who has any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation should contact Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online.
You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.
CLANDESTINE DRUGS LAB UNCOVERED IN PARKSIDE
A man has been arrested after police uncovered a clandestine laboratory at Parkside on Thursday. Serious and Organised Crime Branch detectives searched a shed in Parkside on Thursday, and allegedly found chemicals and glassware, constituting a clandestine laboratory. A man, 57, at the address was arrested and charged with manufacturing a controlled drug, possessing prescribed equipment to manufacture a controlled drug and possessing a prohibited weapon.
Police say they will continue to process and dismantle the clan lab on Friday.
The man was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on September 30.
Detective Chief Inspector Denise Gray said: “The manufacture of controlled drugs poses a significant danger to the community, offenders, emergency services and the detectives who dismantle the clandestine laboratories.
“Serious and Organised Crime Branch continue to target those involved in the manufacturing of drugs and this arrest should serve as a warning to them.”
Anyone with information on the manufacture, sale or supply of illicit drugs can report it anonymously to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Read about other drug lab discoveries in Adelaide here.
MAN ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED CITY RAMPAGE
A man has been arrested after allegedly going on a city rampage, smashing cars and businesses with a stick in Adelaide’s CBD on Thursday afternoon.
Police say several members of the public called to report a man waving a stick around smashing cars and damaging business premises about 5pm on Wright St.
POLICE INVESTIGATE CHRISTIES BEACH HOUSE FIRE
Police are investigating a house fire that broke out in Christies Beach overnight, at an abandoned house frequented by squatters.
Police and fire crews were called to a Galloway Rd house about 2.30am Friday, after reports of a fire in the carport area of the house.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze in a short time.
Police say the house is frequented by squatters. One man was questioned over the fire, but no evidence linking him to the incident was found. He was not injured in the blaze.
Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
MAN INTERFERES WITH TRAIN SIGNALS AT MARION
The lives of train drivers, passengers and motorists were put at risk after an unknown man interfered with the wiring of the train signal at Marion Railway Station on Wednesday.
Police say a male dressed in black clothing interfered with the signals at Marion before running off towards Minchinbury Terrace between 6.15pm and 6.45pm Wednesday.
Technicians repaired the signals, and no trains were delayed as a result of the incident.
A police spokesman said: “Interference with train signals is extremely dangerous and puts train drivers, passengers and motorists at risk.”
The incident comes on Rail Road Safety Week, where police are working to ensure safety on rail crossings for cyclists, motorists and pedestrians.
Each day throughout the week, police said they would deploy officers at various level crossings in the Adelaide metropolitan area to ensure a highly visible presence.
The family of a woman who died in a car collision with a train this week spoke to The Advertiser about the importance of rail road safety.
“Fortunately, the interference was detected before any trains were affected and there were no injuries or incidents as a result of this behaviour,” the spokeswoman said.
JOHN DEERE LAWNMOWER STOLEN
Thieves have stolen a ride-on mower worth thousands of dollars from a Riverland community sports club, leaving volunteers doubtful the offenders have the “conscience to bring it back”.
Mypolonga Combined Sports Club was targeted for the third time in recent months when a green John Deere LX175 lawnmower and diesel fuel was taken.
Police investigating the theft believe the items were stolen sometime between August 5 and Wednesday.
Mypolonga Memorial Oval committee member Daniel Martin said volunteers were disappointed because “we work hard for what we’ve got”.
“We’re a voluntary organisation, we’ve now got to find some funds to replace it,” he said.
“We’re not happy about it (and) we’d like it brought back if they’ve got the conscience.
“But we don’t expect that to happen.”
Anyone with information about the location of the mower is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
DRIVER FOUR TIMES OVER THE LIMIT LOSES LICENCE
A man caught driving more than four times over the legal blood has lost his licence for a minimum of 12 months at Murray Bridge.
Police spotted a car driving without lights on Swanport Road about 2am Wednesday.
The patrol stopped the vehicle and breath tested the man driving, who allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.218, more than four times more than the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.05. The 41-year-old Murray Bridge man was reported for driving under the influence of alcohol, drink driving, and driving without lights. His licence was disqualified for 12 months, and his car was impounded for 28 days.
He will appear in Murray Bridge Magistrates Court at a later date.
WOMAN CHARGED WITH DRUG TRAFFICKING
A woman will today face court, charged with drug trafficking, after police allegedly found her in possession of 600ml of fantasy and drug dealing documents.
Police searched a Salisbury North home about 2pm Wednesday with police dog Xera following investigations.
Police say they found 600ml of fantasy, drug paraphernalia, documents relating to drug dealing, prescription medication and capsicum spray.
A 41-year-old woman was arrested and charged with trafficking a controlled drug, possessing equipment for consumption of controlled substances, unlawful possession and possessing a prohibited weapon. She was refused police bail, to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court today.
Anyone with information about the manufacture, sale or supply of illicit drugs is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
MAN ARRESTED OVER STABBING
A man has been arrested and charged and police are searching for four more people over a serious assault at Ingle Farm on Sunday.
Just after 5am on Sunday, police and paramedics were called to Sunburt St after reports that a man had been stabbed.
The 27-year-old victim was stabbed in his abdomen and remains in the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a stable condition.
On Tuesday, Eastern District detectives arrested a 27-year-old man from Bedford Park and charged him with aggravated assault causing serious harm, and affray.
He was refused bail and appeared in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court today.
Police are searching for a further four people over the serious assault.
If you can help police, contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.
For more details on the stabbing, scroll down
YOUTHS ARRESTED FOR SMASHING WINDOWS IN HACKHAM WEST
Three youths have been arrested after allegedly smashing eight windows at the Hackham West Community Centre overnight. Police were patrolling the area on Majorca Rd around midnight on Wednesday when they heard glass smashing.
Patrols noticed eight windows had been smashed at the Hackham West community centre, however, no entry was gained.
They found three youths nearby. A 14-year-old Glengowrie boy, a 12-year-old Aldinga Beach girl and a 13-year-old Huntfield Heights boy were arrested and charged with property damage.
They were bailed to appear in the Christies Beach Youth Court on September 10.
CARS TORCHED AT CRAIGMORE BELIEVED TO BE ARSON
Police are investigating two car fires in Craigmore overnight, and say it appears both cars have been doused with petrol before being set alight.
Police and fire crews were called to Gooronga Drive, about 4am Wednesday after two cars parked in the driveway of a home were set alight.
Fire crews controlled the blazes and saved the nearby home. The cars were extensively damaged in the fires.
Police are this morning doorknocking nearby homes, looking for witnesses, and have called Crime Scene Examiners to attend – as it appears both cars were doused with petrol before being set alight.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
DISABILITY WORKER CHARGED WITH SEXUALLY ASSAULTING A CLIENT
A disability worker has been charged with sexually assault; assaulting a woman in his care.
Police arrested the male worker, 41, of Adelaide’s northeastern suburbs on Sunday night.
He will face court in September.
WOMAN DRAGGED FROM HER CAR IN ‘TERRIFYING’ ENCOUNTER
A woman has escaped serious injury after a man allegedly smashed her car window with a hammer, then dragged her out of the vehicle in an attempted carjacking in Parkside.
The incident occurred about 4.30pm Monday on Olive St.
MONDAY, AUGUST 10
SERIOUS CRASH AT RENMARK
Two young men are in a critical condition in hospital – including a 16-year-old driver – after they crashed an allegedly stolen car in Renmark this morning.
Police were called to Renmark Ave about 2.30am on Monday after a car hit a light pole, before flipping and coming to rest in the front yard of a property.
The driver, a 16-year-old man from Murray Bridge, and his passenger, a 24-year-old Berri man, both suffered life-threatening injuries.
They have been flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition.
The third passenger, an 18-year-old Berri man, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Berri Hospital for treatment.
He has since been charged with illegal use, and was bailed to appear in the Berri Magistrates Court in September.
Renmark Ave remains closed to all eastbound traffic with diversions in place.
Major Crash Investigators will attend the scene this morning to examine the circumstances that led to the crash.
Police say the car was stolen from a Renmark address nearby shortly before the crash.
MAN ARRESTED AFTER ATTEMPTING TO AVOID BORDER CHECKPOINT
An unlicensed driver has been arrested and his car impounded after he allegedly attempted to evade a border checkpoint on Sunday morning.
Police said a white Holden was seen turning off the Barrier Highway on to Rucioch Rd at Nackara, near the state’s border about 9.30am Sunday. It was suspected the driver was attempting to avoid the Oodla Wirra border checkpoint.
Police intercepted the car on Parnaroo Rd at Ucolta where the car performed a U-turn. Checks revealed the driver had a disqualified learner’s permit licence, and was driving unregistered. The man had returned to South Australia from NSW. Police directed him to isolate for 14 days.
The vehicle was searched and police found a small amount of cannabis, an ice pipe and other drug paraphernalia.
The driver, a 31-year-old Mawson Lakes man, was arrested and charged with driving disqualified, driving an unregistered motor vehicle, possessing cannabis, possessing equipment for smoking cannabis and possessing equipment for consumption of a controlled substance.
He was granted bail to appear in the Peterborough Magistrates Court in October.
MEADOWS COUPLE ARRESTED AFTER DRUG SEIZURE
Two people have been arrested and charged with trafficking drugs after police uncovered 19 cannabis plants and 4kg of dried cannabis in a Meadows property.
Police searched the home on Thursday, and located the plants being grown hydroponically, around 4kg of dried cannabis, various prescribed hydroponic equipment, and cash.
A 32-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man from Meadows were arrested and charged with cultivating a trafficable amount of cannabis, trafficking a large commercial quantity of cannabis, possessing prescribed equipment and unlawful possession. They were bailed to appear in the Mount Barker Magistrates Court in October.
MAN ARRESTED AFTER BREAK-IN AT SUSHI RESTAURANT
A man has been arrested after a break-in at the Brickworks Marketplace early this morning.
Security detected a break-in at a sushi restaurant at the Brickworks, Torrensville about 4am Monday.
A window was smashed to gain entry, and the suspect ran off through the carpark towards the River Torrens. Police say he stole cash from the restaurant.
He was found near the creek nearby.
A 43-year-old Semaphore Park man was arrested and charged with serious criminal trespass and theft.
He was refused bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
STABBING AT INGLE FARM
A father screamed “I’m going to die” after he was stabbed in the stomach at Ingle Farm, leaving a trail of blood as he stumbled towards his partner and baby for help, a witness says.
The 27-year-old was standing on a footpath on Sunburt Street – just metres from his home – when three men pulled up in a car, sparking a violent altercation just after 5am on Sunday.
Nearby resident Alan Buck said he heard the victim yell for help just seconds after a car sped away from the area.
“He was like: ‘I’m going to die, I’m going to die. Something’s happened, I’ve been stabbed’,” he said.
“(The man’s partner) was carrying a baby and the baby started screaming as well. She was in major panic.”
Eastern District detectives believe the suspects drove a small silver sedan and that one of them attacked the victim, puncturing his abdomen with a sharp object.
The suspects fled the scene and a weapon has not been recovered. Mr Buck said he heard a car speeding towards Telford Road just before victim started screaming.
He was taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital and is in a stable condition.
“They’re nice neighbours, they’re always quiet. They only have family friends visit,” Mr Buck said.
“I just really hope (he’s OK), especially for his child and his partner, that must have been horrific for her to witness.”
Nearby resident Yvonne described the attack as “ horrendous” and said “violence is never the answer”.
“Nobody should get away with doing something like that to somebody else,” she said.
“Is it worth killing somebody over whatever the problem is. It’s not a nice thought.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
EXPLOSIVE FOUND AT SURF CLUB
A homemade bomb found at Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club was disguised as a box of Arnott’s Shapes biscuits and left resting against a roller door.
Police were called to the club, on Military Rd at Semaphore South, after a member found the chicken crimpy box about 9.30am on Saturday.
Club president Paul Breden said the member was about to throw the box in the bin when he noticed the explosive device.
“The top of the box had actually been burned away, as if (someone) lit the box (on fire) to burn it down,” he said.
“When (the member) looked inside there was a suspicious device or object.
“It was pretty small to fit inside that box and because it looked suspicious (he) contacted police.”
Bomb squad officers were called to the club and carefully investigated the explosive device before confirming it was safe to handle.
The device was seized for forensic examination.
“I think somebody has just decided it’s a nice quiet spot that they could (put it there),” Mr Breden said.
Police are investigating the matter and ask anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report it online at crimestopperssa.com.au.