Jean-Paul Issa: Bossley Park man breached bail to move fridge

A man charged with drug, firearms and explosive offences has been remanded in custody once more after breaching his bail to move a fridge in Sydney’s southwest, a court has heard.

An item seized on Issa’s arrest. Picture: NSW Police

A man set to be sentenced for drug, firearms, and explosive offences in just 40 days breached his bail conditions when found inside the same car as an alleged commercial drug supplier, a court has heard.

Jean-Paul Issa, of Bossley Park, was granted bail by the Supreme Court in October 2021 on conditions he stay in a rehabilitation facility on weekdays and with family on weekends.

The 27-year-old asked Parramatta Local Court on Sunday to be sent back to the rehabilitation facility after the bail breach on Friday September 16, when he was found by police in a car with a person currently on bail for charges of commercial drug supply.

The court that person attended the same rehabilitation facility.

Issa’s lawyer Steven Mercael told the court his client had the permission of the rehab facility to leave and he had gone for a drive to pick up a ute, and then a fridge.

An item seized on Issa’s arrest. Picture: NSW Police

“There is no evidence that he has done anything wrong,” Mr Mercael said. “He’s jumped the gun and left a day early, for an innocent reason.”

Mr Mercael told the court his client needed to remain on bail to ensure his sentencing assessment report could be completed in time for Issa to be sentenced on December 8, as scheduled.

“Your Honour has the power to amend his bail conditions, place him in full time rehabilitation, so he can complete the program and not leave on the weekend,” Mr Mercael offered.

But Magistrate McRae denied the suggestion, telling the court documents provided by the rehab centre explaining the circumstances of Issa’s trip were unclear.

“I note that in relation to the curfew conditions imposed by the Supreme Court, Mr Issa was not to be absent from the premises unless accompanied by a staff member, or for overnight weekend leave,” the magistrate said.

“Curiously, a document signed by the CEO of Connect Global Limited, detailing weekend leave, is undated.”

The magistrate denied bail, telling the court Issa’s crimes were serious in the extreme.

Issa will return to court on December 8 for sentencing on charges including possessing an unauthorised firearm, using a prohibited weapon contrary to a prohibition order, possessing, supplying or making explosives for unlawful purposes, and supplying a prohibited drug.