Alleged Goulburn drug dealer Janelle Sharpe released on bail due to medical issues

The alleged ringleader of a rural drug ring has been released on bail, after spending almost two month behind bars on remand.

A woman accused of leading a regional drug network has been released into the community on bail.

Janelle Sharpe, 52, faced Goulburn Local Court via video link to apply for bail on Monday. The Goulburn woman is charged with supplying drugs on an ongoing basis, 10 counts of supplying prohibited drugs, two counts of possessing prohibited drugs, and dealing with property proceeds of crime.

Ms Sharpe was one of four alleged drug dealers arrested on April 14 at 6am during a police raid on several Goulburn homes in Churchill Street, Goldsmith Street, and Taralga Road.

Police will allege they found large amounts of cannabis, methamphetamine, prescription medication, weapons, cash, and electronic devices in the homes of the four accused. The court heard personal amounts of cannabis and ‘ice’ were found at Ms Sharpe’s house, along with syringes.

Janelle Sharpe is charged with supplying drugs throughout Goulburn and surrounds as part of a criminal drug ring. Picture: NSW Police

Ms Sharpe appeared in court to apply for bail on medical grounds, as her lawyer told the court she wasn’t getting adequate medical care in custody.

“She has a number of medical issues, as you can see,” he said.

“The big problem she has is that she had chronic back pain and she’s not receiving any treatment for that at all.”

Ms Sharpe’s lawyer argued his client had a limited criminal history and emphasised her previous offences were 14-years-old. He told the court her $2,000 surety payment and daily reporting to police would prevent her committing offences while on bail.

“The concerns brought by the prosecutor can certainly be addressed by bail conditions,” he said.

Police prosecutor Peter Robinson disagreed. He told the court police were concerned Ms Sharpe would reoffend and interfere with witnesses if granted bail. He also noted Ms Sharpe had a history of failing to appear in court.

Strike Force Koombahla was established by the Southern Region Enforcement Squad (RES) in September 2020 to investigate drug supply throughout the Goulburn region.

Magistrate Geraldine Beattie agreed her previous disregard for the orders of the court did not assist Ms Sharpe.

“If she can’t appear in court for a driving matter, it doesn’t say much for her appearing in court on a serious drug charge,” she said.

Ms Sharpe appeared anxious as she waited to hear whether she would be given bail. She had previously applied for release on April 15 but was refused.

During the previous hearing, Magistrate Beattie said Ms Sharpe’s tenuous need to be released from custody didn’t outweigh the magnitude of the alleged offences.

“The offences have a big impact on the community,” she said.

The magistrate reasserted the weight of the offences on Monday, saying the charges of supplying drugs were “serious offences with a likelihood of jail if convicted”.

Janelle Sharpe was one of four alleged drug dealers arrested on April 14 in Goulburn.

Magistrate Beattie acknowledged Ms Sharpe’s strong community ties and her “unaddressed drug problem” which the court heard she couldn’t be treated for in custody. The magistrate also noted the trial is expected to start next year.

“Given the significant delay in the matter and Ms Sharpe’s health problems, I’m going to give her a chance on bail,” she determined.

However, she ordered Ms Sharpe not to contact the co-accused or take drugs, and to go to counselling and try to get into a rehabilitation facility. She warned Ms Sharpe and her lawyer noncompliance with the conditions would result in a warrant.

“If she doesn’t get into rehab quickly, I’m going to put her back in jail,” she said.