Ex-NSW Police armourer Alan Cumberland refused bail over Raptor firearm charges
A former civilian police employee has been charged as part of a lengthy Strike Force Raptor investigation into the alleged supply of prohibited guns.
Illawarra Star
Don't miss out on the headlines from Illawarra Star. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- ‘Horrific’: Teen suffers severe head injuries in balcony fall
- Identity of Albion Park man accused of importing child sex doll revealed
A former civilian police employee has been refused bail after he was charged by Strike Force Raptor over the alleged fixing and handling of a ‘doomsday prepper’s’ guns.
Ex-NSW Police armourer Alan Cumberland, 44, was refused bail by Magistrate Jillian Kiely at Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday, more than seven months after was arrested at a Medowie home and charged with two counts of acquiring a prohibited firearm subject to a prohibition order.
In documents tendered to the court, police allege Mr Cumberland handled an M1 carbine semiautomatic rifle and an air rifle at a property in the state’s Southern Highlands in June last year.
The charges came after officers from Strike Force Raptor executed a search warrant at a Bundanoon home on July 3, where police seized nine rifles, including an M1 carbine semiautomatic rifle.
On Wednesday, the court heard police searched the Bundanoon property after it was linked to ‘doomsday prepper’ Jason Maloney, who has been charged over an alleged organised crime syndicate that involved firearm and drug supply.
The court also heard police had obtained surveillance of Cumberland attending the Bundanoon property and allegedly handling and repairing firearms.
Cumberland’s defence lawyer argued for his release on Wednesday, telling the court he had respiratory issues and needed Ventolin, which could not currently be accessed in jail due to shortages. His lawyer also told the court Cumberland suffered from a major depressive disorder and would benefit from release.
However, Crown prosecutor Nerissa Keay held serious concerns that if granted bail Cumberland could commit further offences or fail to appear at future court dates.
She also noted that at the time of the alleged offending, Cumberland was on parole for other firearm offences.
“In my view there is a significant threat to public safety (if he were to be released on bail),” Ms Keay said.
Magistrate Kiely agreed the offences were serious, and that no bail conditions could mitigate the risk he posed to the community if released.
Cumberland, who is in custody at Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre will remain behind bars until his next appearance at Moss Vale Local Court on May 1.