Chinchilla man, Tyson Newman to spend Christmas in cell on drug charges

A Western Downs tradesman accused of trafficking drugs broke down in tears when his bail was refused after he was allegedly found with a large drug stash and guns.

Generic, Queensland police, drug raid, meth, ice, methamphetamine, cannabis. Picture: (L) QPS, (M) News Regional Media, and (R) file.

A Western Downs tradesman on bail for serious drug charges, including trafficking, was arrested after officers raided a Chinchilla home and allegedly located guns and a large amount of methamphetamine.

The Chinchilla tradesman, Tyson Phillip Newman, was on Supreme Court bail when police allege he possessed the weapons and 25 grams of meth, between Friday evening and Saturday morning, December 23.

According to the Crime and Corruption Commission’s Drug Commodities Guide (2014) an ounce of crystal meth, 28g, had a street value between $13,000 and $20,000, however powdered versions of the drug could cost between $4000 and $18,000 depending on its quality.

After the 31-year-old was arrested and charged, he appeared at the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Saturday morning via a video, where he broke down in tears after his bail application was rejected – landing him in custody for Christmas.

Chinchilla is a small town west of Toowoomba with a population of more than 8500 – a large percentage of those being energy workers. Pic: Supplied

While acting as duty lawyer for the Skuse Graham Criminal Lawyers’ client, solicitor Nathan Bouchier said Mr Newman instructed him he bought the handguns online while under the impression they were cap guns and he was not sure if they were functional.

Mr Bouchier said the father of two, who recently reconnected with his children, had no prior history of breaching bail requirements and also had a limited criminal history.

He noted he was living with his girlfriend and the woman’s children.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Chris Hutchins said officers were yet to fire the weapons, but regardless of whether they worked or not, it was still a serious breach of Mr Newman’s bail conditions.

“There were (also) knuckledusters (allegedly) found, which he claimed were an adornment,” he said.

“He seems to have an excuse for everything in his possession,” he said.

“The fact is he was on bail for trafficking and the first condition is, ‘don’t commit a further offence’ and he’s got 25 grams of methamphetamine and further weapons.

“It’s very concerning.”

Chinchilla tradesman Tyson Phillip Newman’s new charges will be mentioned at the regional courthouse early February 2024. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Clark

The court heard after Newman was released on Supreme Court bail he was employed as a machinery operator by a Western Downs civil construction business, and had been working for the company for the past three months on a full-time basis.

Acting magistrate Lisa O’Neill told Mr Newman his fresh charges were extremely serious and she believed he might commit further offences if released on bail.

“You are contesting some of the offences, otherwise the evidence appears to be fairly strong,” she said.

Mr Newman was remanded in custody and will next appear before the Chinchilla Magistrates Court on February 8.

A full brief of evidence was ordered for the alleged breach of bail, drug, and weapon charges.

The court heard a co-offender was charged in relation to the drug charges.