Scott Biber, Philip Emanuele plead guilty to supplying prohibited drug around Byron Bay

A NSW North Coast pair who were busted after cocaine was found hidden in a fire extinguisher have had their case postponed due to an unrelated attack on the Crown prosecutor.

Two North Coast residents who have pleaded guilty to drug charges have faced a shock delay in their case.

Suffolk Park man Scott Edward Biber, 59, and Skenners Head co-accused Philip David Emanuele, 52, faced Lismore District Court on Friday (September 9) expecting to learn their fate after police found over 1kg of cocaine stashed in a fire extinguisher.

The pair were flanked by supporters as Judge Jeffery McLennan announced the sentence would be adjourned because the Crown prosecutor had been the target of an attack on the way to court.

He said the prosecutor was “shaken” as a result and not in a position to finalise the matter.

Defence barrister Philip Boulton voiced his sympathy for his legal opponent, as adjournment dates were discussed.

“I’m a bit shocked by it so I hope she’s okay,” Mr Boulton said.

It is not alleged the attack was related to the sentence proceedings.

Biber, a firefighter, was found with 1.1kg of cocaine concealed in a fire extinguisher in his possession on January 9 last year.

Biber pleaded guilty to supplying a prohibited drug greater than the large commercial quantity.

Emanuele was arrested as a result of related investigations into drug supply around Byron Bay.

Emanuele pleaded guilty to taking part in supplying a prohibited drug with two counts of possessing a prohibited drug considered on sentence.

The matter was adjourned for sentence in February next year.

Both men will remain on bail.

Philip David Emanuele exits Lismore District Court on Friday, September 9, 2022.

Fellow co-accused and Broken Head resident, Scott Edward Birch, 69, is also yet to be sentenced, having pleaded guilty to recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime and taking part in supplying a prohibited drug and 13 back-up counts of supplying a prohibited drug.

Two counts of possessing a prohibited drug, and a charge of possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm were admitted and will be considered on sentence for Birch.