Accused drug dealer refused bail after alleged kidnapping at gunpoint

A Lismore man has been refused bail after an alleged kidnapping involving a sawn-off shotgun on Boxing Day. Here’s what we know.

Lismore Court House in Zadoc Street.

An East Lismore man accused of drug dealing has faced court after shots were allegedly fired during a gunpoint kidnapping in Casino on Boxing Day.

Vincent Roberts, 27, appeared in Lismore Local Court today on kidnapping, assault, firearm possession and drug charges.

The incident began shortly after midnight on December 26 when a 29-year-old man was allegedly forced into a vehicle at gunpoint on Johnston St, Casino.

The man was allegedly assaulted several times as he was driven to Terania St, North Lismore, where he escaped on foot.

Police alleged in court that Roberts then fired a number of shotgun rounds from the car.

The 29-year-old man suffered minor injuries.

About 1.20am, police stopped and searched Roberts’ vehicle, seizing a shotgun, methamphetamine, cocaine, and ammunition including spent cartridges.

He was arrested, and charged with 13 offences: Two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (domestic violence), kidnap with intent to commit serious indictable offence of occasioning actual bodily harm, intimidate intending fear of harm (domestic violence), three counts of possess prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug, knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime, possess a shortened firearm without authorisation, possess a loaded firearm in a public place, possess ammunition without holding a licence, and not keep firearm safely.

No pleas have been entered.

Roberts has been refused bail to appear in Lismore Local Court on March 15 via audio visual link.