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Andrew Perish: ‘Underbelly’ murder plotter pleads guilty to drug supply offences

Andrew Perish, who was jailed for his role in the killing and mutilation of a police ­informant Terry Falconer, has entered pleas on a string of charges relating to drug supply.

Andrew Perish, who was jailed for his role in the killing and mutilation of a police ­informant 20 years ago, has pleaded guilty to multiple drug supply offences.

The 50-year-old was released from jail on parole two years ago after spending the best part of a decade behind bars for his role in the notorious Terry Falconer murder, which was the subject of the TV series, Underbelly: Badness.

Perish appeared at Downing Centre Local Court via videolink on August 4 and pleaded guilty to four charges: two counts of drug supply (over an indictable and commercial quantity), possessing a precursor intended for drug production, and dealing with the property proceeds of crime.

Perish was arrested in a dawn raid at Leumeah, near Campbelltown, on July 2021 – less than a year after being released from custody.

He was released on parole with a 24-hour ankle monitor in August 2020 after serving nine years of a 12-year sentence for conspiracy to murder Sydney drug dealer and police informant Terry Falconer, who was ­kidnapped, murdered and found cut into pieces in the Hastings River in 2001.

Andrew Perish in Campbelltown following his release on parole. Picture: Toby Zerna
Andrew Perish in Campbelltown following his release on parole. Picture: Toby Zerna
Andrew Perish has pleaded guilty to drug supply.
Andrew Perish has pleaded guilty to drug supply.

Perish’s older brother Anthony was given 18 years in jail for murder after it was deemed the brothers believed Falconer was behind the grisly murder of their grandparents in 1993.

A State Parole Authority hearing decided Perish was ready to walk free in July 2020.

“Despite the seriousness of the offence and the existence of the offender’s other criminal activities, we are persuaded by his behaviour in custody – which has been overall good – and his completion of programs,” State Parole Authority Judge David Freeman said.

“He is ready for release.”

Perish will return to Downing Centre District Court at a later date to be sentenced.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur/andrew-perish-underbelly-murder-plotter-pleads-guilty-to-drug-supply-offences/news-story/e6ba06ed5555ef5c8c5ad983a32db51e