Lina Fenn charged over alleged role in drug syndicate in Sydney’s southwest
A pregnant woman charged over her alleged role in the supply of cocaine in Sydney’s southwest has been released on bail, with her solicitor saying she was more vulnerable to COVID-19 while in custody.
Fairfield
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A pregnant woman charged over her alleged role in the supply of cocaine has been granted bail.
Lina Fenn, 24, was arrested in Warwick Farm last Thursday and charged with being knowingly concerned in an offence take part supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs.
Strike Force Irwine detectives have so far seized more than 420kg of cocaine and charged six men aged 18, 21, 24, 27, 33 and 39 – and a 39-year-old woman.
All seven remain before the courts.
Police allege Ms Fenn, who is at least 19 weeks pregnant, moved items with her partner, a co-accused in the matter, on March 30 at Fairfield West, knowing the items contained cocaine.
Both have yet to enter pleas.
Ms Fenn’s solicitor made a bail application on Monday, saying his client was pregnant and vulnerable to COVID-19 while in custody, and had a “genuine need to be free”.
He pointed to the strength of the Crown case, saying it was weak.
“On these (police) facts, the accused shows no knowledge of what’s inside,” he said.
The prosecution opposed bail, citing a risk of failure to attend court, with the accused likely to face a full-time custodial sentence if convicted.
In granting bail, Magistrate Holly Kemp noted Ms Fenn did not have a criminal record and it was her first time in custody.
Her time in prison had prevented her from attending prenatal appointments and also made her vulnerable to COVID-19, Ms Kemp said.
She also noted an “in-built” delay in the criminal justice system at the moment due to COVID-19.
Ms Fenn was granted bail and will be required to report weekly to Liverpool police station, comply with travel restrictions and post security of $10,000.
The matter was adjourned to June 15.