Sirens owner Ross Glynatsis charged with drug supply banned from Terrigal nightclub
Sirens owner Ross Glynatsis had a loaded pistol ‘for protection’ from bikies who were after him, a court has heard.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Sirens owner Ross Glynatsis has been banned from entering his own Terrigal nightclub after police allegedly busted him with a fully loaded pistol, 146g of cocaine, cannabis, cash and other weapons.
Police raided the 63-year-old’s Erina unit on Thursday where they allegedly found the .22 calibre Erma Werke EP652 model pistol with a fully loaded magazine, a set of “nunchakus”, a flick knife, drugs and $13,590 in cash.
He was charged with 16 offences including possessing prohibited weapons, supplying drugs and dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Mr Glynatsis was refused bail to appear at Gosford Local Court today where the police prosecutor opposed bail citing “concerns for community safety”.
She told the court Mr Glynatsis told police he had the pistol for protection because outlaw motorcycle bikies were “after him” and the gun was “in the top drawer of his residence”.
She said nightclubs were “the kind of place” where drugs were sold and if bikies were after him, he should be banned from entering Sirens to prevent “further offending” and for the safety of patrons.
Police also searched the Terrigal nightclub but nothing of any interest was found.
Mr Glynatsis’ solicitor Michael Mantaj said the risks of further offending and risks to the community could be mitigated by stringent conditions that he not enter the venue, abide by a curfew and put up $5000 as surety.
Magistrate Peter Barnett said Mr Glynatsis had no prior record and that the money found at his unit, for which he was charged with dealing with the proceeds of crime, was a weak prosecution case.
He said Mr Glynatsis was a “nightclub owner” who told police $5000 was the takings from the previous night and a man of his age may be expected to have that much cash in his possession at home.
“He took $7000 out of the bank the day before ... that should be easy to find out one way or the other,” Mr Barnett said.
However, the magistrate said on a “prima facie case” Mr Glynatsis “would be struggling” on the drug and weapons charges.
“Once it’s over that (amount) the ball is in his court,” Mr Barnett said.
The magistrate said a man allegedly “selling cocaine of this much quantity” through a nightclub could expect to draw the attention of an outlaw group known to traffic illegal drugs.
However Mr Mantaj said the threats were more in line with a “protection racket” rather than being in competition over supply.
“He will be selling the business, he will be getting out of the nightclub business,” Mr Mantaj told the court.
Mr Barnett granted bail on the condition Mr Glynatsis abide by a curfew, not enter Sirens and surrender his passport.
He will face court again on December 13.
