Wellington drug syndicate: Robert Redding pleads guilty
A devoted man busted taking part in a major drug syndicate selling ice across the state’s central west had a number of jobs he had to carry out for the group’s kingpin.
Dubbo News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Dubbo News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A man has confessed to selling methylamphetamine for the leaders of a notorious criminal syndicate who sourced drugs from Yagoona in western Sydney and sold the across western NSW.
Robert John Redding was arrested in May last year when police conducted dawn raids on 21 properties as part of the resolution phase of a 14-month covert operation designed to dismantle the syndicate.
The 38-year-old Wellington man has been remanded in custody since his arrest and on Thursday in Dubbo Local Court he pleaded guilty to supplying a prohibited drug and participating in a criminal group.
According to court documents, Redding’s main roles in the syndicate were as a runner and low level supplier to people across western NSW.
Between October 2019 and February 2020, and often after being directed by the syndicate’s kingpin or senior leaders, Redding sold 47 grams of ice on 13 occasions.
Police said Redding served as a debt collector for the syndicate’s kingpin and had offered to take a car off someone who owed money.
When members of the syndicate left their home, Redding was a housesitter who sold drugs to customers that came knocking.
After syndicate members returned to their home, Redding was heard telling them where he had hid money or leftover drugs.
Magistrate Gary Wilson ordered a sentencing assessment report and set June 15 as the sentencing date.
Redding will learn his fate at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court because his lawyers are based in the city.
Two other members of the syndicate have made confessions about their involvement.
Wellington woman Brianna Meizer was convicted and sentenced to a 12-month intensive corrections order and 90 hours of community service.
Wellington man Murrey Bush has pleaded guilty to drug supply and criminal group participation charges. He is due to be sentenced in July.
Super stats! Gun quartet, best teen rugby players in Australia
The numbers are in and a quartet of players stand out on the statistic sheet heading into round four of Super Rugby U16s and U19s. Leading points scorers, try scorers, tacklers and statistical stars here.
Comeback, two-try stars in Waratahs v Reds U16s Super Rugby battle
It took them a while but the NSW Waratahs finally found their groove against the Queensland Reds as one of rugby’s best rivalries ignited in the Super Rugby U16s. Stars, great photos.