Operator of Castle Hill kickboxing gym arrested on drug charges
THE operator of a Castle Hill gym — a former world champion kickboxer — remains behind bars after he was arrested on drug charges last month.
Hills Shire
Don't miss out on the headlines from Hills Shire. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE operator of a Castle Hill gym — a former world champion kickboxer — remains behind bars after he was arrested on drug charges last month.
Stuart McKinnon was refused bail after police allegedly uncovered illegal drugs and large amounts of cash at his gym and home.
McKinnon has been training fighters and running Bulldog Gym Muay Thai Kickboxing at Castle Hill for about 20 years, according to the gym’s website.
He was arrested last month following an investigation into the Hells Angels motorcycle gang by Strike Force Walkom.
Steroids were allegedly seized at the gym and more than $230,000 was allegedly seized from his McGraths Hill home as part of the police operation, a Hills Police spokesman said.
Police also allege McKinnon helped supply 20,000 ecstasy tablets.
The Hills Police Area Command’s Superintendent Rob Critchlow praised the team behind the investigation.
“The Hills PAC is grateful for the hard work of the State Crime Command in our area and we are also conducting a number of local investigations to target drugs in our community,” he said.
The Hills Shire Council has since made inquiries into the gym.
A council spokeswoman said the gym had been operating “without approval” and had until June 26 to provide an appropriate development application.
“Council has inspected the gym, known as Bulldog Gym Muay Thai, on Victoria Ave,” she said.
“Council has no approval record for the property being used as a gym and has written to the owner seeking a response as to why the business is operating without approval.”
She said the owners had indicated they would lodge a development application.
“If the owners fail to lodge a DA by the due date, council will need to go through a process to cease use of the facility,” she said.
A representative of the gym declined to comment.
McKinnon will next face Penrith Local Court on July 5 on two counts of large commercial drug supply, possessing prohibited drugs and dealing in proceeds of crime.
McKinnon’s younger brother Steve is the current International World Kickboxing Federation heavyweight champion.