Joshua Cassie, Peter Ellis, Andrew Hallam, Matthew Lawrie: Strike Force Sulfur committals delayed
A lawyer for a man facing a slew of drug offences has raised concerns after not receiving a brief of evidence despite her client being behind bars for half a year.
Canberra Star
Don't miss out on the headlines from Canberra Star. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A lawyer for a man facing a slew of drug charges has criticised police for not providing an adequate brief of evidence more than six months after her client was arrested and held in jail on remand.
Joshua Cassie, Peter Ellis, Andrew Hallam, and Matthew Lawrie were arrested in September 2022 following police raids led by NSW police’s Strike Force Sulfur.
The strike force was established in September 2021 to target drug supply in Canberra and Queanbeyan area.
All four men were listed to be committed to the District Court for trial on Tuesday, however prosecutors sought a two week adjournment.
Mr Hallam’s lawyer Ashli Gouzvaris raised concerns about her client’s case being adjourned again.
She asked Magistrate Michael O’Brien to ensure this would be last time his matter was adjourned.
Ms Gouzvaris told the court she had not received a full brief of evidence from police.
“My client has been in custody since September 13,” she said.
“We cannot advise our client or his family sensibly.”
Prosecutor Jillian Walshe told the court she had “conveyed clearly” to police they needed to provide telephone recordings to the parties.
“(I’ve raised it) as a matter of urgency,” she said.
Magistrate O’Brien said there needed to be an “end to endless mentions” in the case.
Mr Hallam is facing ten charges; supplying a prohibited drug, take part in supply of a prohibited drug, participate in criminal group, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime, knowingly derive material benefit from criminal group, two counts of conspiracy supply prohibited drugs, possessing steroids, possessing ammunition, and possessing goods suspected of being stolen.
Co-accused Mr Ellis is charged with six offences; two counts of taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug, two counts of supplying a prohibited drug, possessing a prohibited drug, and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Mr Cassie is charged with supplying a prohibited drug, three counts of taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug, supplying cannabis, supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime and participate in a criminal group
Mr Lawrie is charged with five counts of supplying a prohibited drug, supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, driving a vehicle to menace another person with intent, stalking or intimidating to intend fear of physical harm, destroy or damage property and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
During last year’s raids police allege they found Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang paraphernalia, drugs and weapons.
All four men will return to Queanbeyan Local Court for committal on April 18.
Beauty and the Beast! Sydney to Hobart yacht race odd couple
One is a pugnacious and hi tech racing machine built to maul and destroy records. The other an old beauty who “hugs” her crew. These opposites are part of the magic of the Sydney to Hobart.
Read more
‘So excited’: Sydney Hobart sailor a real chip off the old block
For almost every one of her 21 years Georgia Wharington has watched her dad set sail in the Sydney to Hobart. Now she will be beside him for one of the fastest and most furious in recent times.
Read more