Craig David Hatton pleads guilty to drugs, weapons charges

Residents in Banora Point led police to a 41-year-old when they made complaints about loud noises coming from cars early in the morning.

A man on parole in Queensland will spend the next month on remand across the border after he was found with drugs and weapons in Banora Point.

Craig David Hatton, 41, pleaded guilty to three counts of possess prohibited drug, possess unregistered prohibited firearm and custody of a knife in a public place.

According to police, a number of people made calls about loud noise coming from cars on Cromer Ct, Banora Point about 1.10am on Saturday, February 12.

Police spoke with people who were in a car parked on the street before searching the car and the people.

There police found a quantity of illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, a “talon” knife and a black replica slide action pistol.

Hatton was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where he was refused bail.

In court, defence lawyer Lucas Swan entered guilty pleas on behalf of his client and asked for him to be sentenced.

Magistrate Geoff Dunlevy ordered a sentencing assessment report due to Hatton being a parolee and instead adjourned the matter.

Mr Swan applied for Hatton’s bail, saying he could live under house arrest at his mother’s home on Piggabeen Road in Tweed Heads West.

He told the court Hatton was struggling with drug addiction and would be better able to rehabilitate in the community.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Nathan Lockett objected to Hatton’s bail.

He said a custodial sentence was inevitable and the court could have no confidence he would not commit further offences due to his extensive criminal history.

Hatton’s head dropped as Mr Dunlevy refused his bail.

His case was adjourned to April 6 for sentence.