Sean Brannigan, 24, to defend weapons charges in Ballina Court

A Goonellabah man who police say was caught with a pistol and other unlawful goods in Ballina will fight the charges.

A Goonellabah man who police allege is connected to a North Coast crime gang will fight weapons charges.

Sean Brannigan, 24, is being held on remand charged with acquiring a firearm without a licence or permit, dealing with the proceeds of crime, possessing ammunition without a licence and two counts of possess or using a prohibited weapon without a permit.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Police allege Mr Brannigan acquired a pistol without a licence, and had ammunition, a knuckleduster and $7000 cash in his possession in Ballina on October 6.

Police allege Mr Brannigan was arrested in connection with four people who are charged with participating in a criminal group known as “Loyal Crims”.

Mr Brannigan has not however been personally charged with participating in that group.

The alleged gang – charged with involvement in a violent carjacking, weapons offences and drug supply and arrested earlier this month – involves Goonellabah couple Beau Smith, 34, and Ashley Thistleton, 28, Ballina man Rodney Jason Denyer, 50, and Rosebank man Glen Thomas Pender, 35.

That group has not entered formal charges aside from Mr Denyer, who has pleaded guilty to cannabis possession.

Mr Brannigan was arrested on October 6 and faced court the next day, then again on October 27.

Defence solicitor Vince Boss said his client was not required to appear when the matter returned to Ballina Local Court on Tuesday.

Mr Boss told the court he had faced problems trying to hold a conference with the accused.

“I spoke with Mr Brannigan this morning,” Mr Boss told the court.

“There’s been some ongoing issues with trying to have a conference with him.”

The court heard he had booked a session to speak formally with his client, who is bail refused and currently at Cessnock Correctional Centre, but it was cancelled.

But in light of Mr Brannigan’s not guilty pleas, Mr Boss asked the court to set a hearing date.

Mr Boss confirmed he had received a brief of evidence regarding the allegations.

Mr Boss told the court footage spanning “at least two hours” would be relevant to his client’s hearing.

The court heard this footage involved undercover police operatives.

The police prosecutor said 10 witnesses would be called in the case, including undercover officers.

The court heard those operatives would likely give evidence.

Magistrate Karen Stafford listed the case for a hearing across two days on July 1 and 8, 2022.

The case will be mentioned on January 27 to confirm the availability of witnesses.

Mr Boss made no application for bail on behalf of Mr Brannigan and it was formally refused.

According to court documents, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has elected to handle some of the allegations against Mr Brannigan.