Trent Leete: Central Coast man faces firearm charges after Strike Force Raptor North raids
A third man has been arrested on firearm charges following police raids in Tuggerah, Tumbi Umbi and Wadalba last week which allegedly uncovered drugs, stolen cars, cash and a loaded shotgun.
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A Tumbi Umbi man has become the third person charged after a series of police raids allegedly uncovered a loaded shotgun, poker machine, stolen cars and drugs at three locations across the Central Coast.
Trent Steven Leete, 41, was arrested at a home in Tumbi Umbi yesterday afternoon and charged with firearm offences.
Police allege he fired a 12 gauge shotgun in a paddock on MacPherson Rd at Mardi last month.
Last week, investigators from Strike Force Raptor North carried out search warrants at an industrial property at Tuggerah and homes at Tumbi Umbi and Wadalba.
During the search at Tuggerah, they allegedly seized a loaded shotgun, ammunition, five stolen cars, a stolen boat and stolen number plates.
At Wadalba, they allegedly seized cash, fireworks, war medals, cannabis, MDMA and a poker machine, while at Tumbi Umbi they allegedly seized methylamphetamine, cash, electronic devices, a pen gun and ammunition.
Police say they also found chemicals and equipment commonly used in the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs at Wadalba and Tuggerah.
Two men, aged 39 and 58, have been charged and remain before the courts.
Leete was the latest charged which included fire firearm in or near public place, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority and possess shortened firearm without authority.
He has not been charged with drug offences, or with anything to do with the stolen property.
In Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, Leete’s solicitor made an application for bail.
He told the court his client - who was on an intensive corrections order at the time of the alleged offence - made admissions to letting off the firearm but it was not an incident reported to police and in those circumstances, leniency should be considered.
“It was not aimed at anyone or anything,” he said.
Leete’s solicitor also mentioned his client had care of his two boys and wanted to support a friend who was set to have brain cancer surgery.
The prosecution opposed bail citing police had a very strong case which included lawfully intercepted phone conversations from the accused.
Magistrate Hugh Donnelly agreed there was a strong prosecution case and Leete was “highly likely” to receive a custodial sentence if found guilty.
He was refused bail, and his matter will be mentioned in two weeks time at Wyong Local Court to be referred to the Director of Public prosecutions (DPP).