Mangerton: Demi Mauro charged after weapons, drugs, cash allegedly found in her unit
A Wollongong woman has broken down in court after cocaine, ice, weapons and $20,000 cash were allegedly found in her one-bedroom apartment.
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A Mangerton woman has broken down in court, repeatedly saying “it’s not mine”, after cash, cocaine, ice and weapons were allegedly found in her one-bedroom Mangerton unit.
Demi Mauro, 28, was refused bail at Wollongong Local Court by Magistrate Jillian Kiely on Monday, after she was charged with 14 offences including supply prohibited drug, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit and deal with the proceeds of crime.
The court heard that on May 20, officers from the South East Region Enforcement Squad were conducting patrols when a foot pursuit of a man allegedly led to Mauro’s Johansen Crescent apartment.
After hearing movement inside, police knocked at the door, which Mauro allegedly opened.
Police questioned Mauro, who was subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order, asking her whether there were any weapons inside the home. In court documents, police allege Mauro made admissions to having a replica firearm, which she said she found a week prior.
Police searched the unit and allegedly found and seized more than $20,000 cash, cocaine, cannabis, methylamphetamine, two tasers, a laser pointer, gel blaster and personal identification cards in various names.
In the documents, police claim the cash was found in a safe in her bedroom along with 56 grams of methamphetamine.
The 28-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken to Wollongong Police Station, where it’s alleged she made admissions to owning some of the items.
However, in court on Monday, Mauro denied any of the items were hers, and pleaded not guilty to each of the 14 offences.
In applying for bail on behalf of her client, Mauro’s defence lawyer told the court the items belonged to the man who police chased, and that he had been staying at the property with her. She also told the court her client believed the replica firearm was “just a toy”.
However, the prosecution argued she was the sole occupant of the unit, and that the man’s name was not on the lease agreement.
The court also heard Mauro suffered from several mental health issues, including bipolar and borderline personality disorder.
Magistrate Kiely refused bail, noting the charges were serious and carried penalties of two to 14 years imprisonment if found guilty, and that she could receive adequate treatment for her conditions while in custody.
Mauro, who is currently on remand at Silverwater Jail, will return to court in July.