Luke Mansell, Lucas Holloway (Johnson): police allege duo related to 8kg meth import
One of two Mid-North Coast men alleged to have imported 8kg of ice has claimed he was not “a man of any wealth” – while resplendent in a Louis Vuitton shirt.
Mid-North Coast
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A magistrate has dismissed suggestions a designer-shirt wearing man accused of importing a significant amount of ice to the Mid North Coast could not afford a lawyer.
Luke Mansell, 22, and Lucas Holloway (Johnson), 29, appeared in Taree Local Court via audiovisual link on October 19, represented by experienced barrister Gregory Stanton.
Police allege the duo were involved in the large-scale supply of $4 million worth of meth, with a police prosecutor alleging the pair were effectively “caught red-handed”.
Mr Stanton spoke on his clients’ character, in an attempt to persuade Magistrate Allison Hawkins into releasing them on bail, but was silenced when Her Honour interjected.
“He’s not a man of any wealth or means,” Mr Stanton said of Mansell.
“He’s wearing a Louis Vuitton shirt,” Ms Hawkins responded.
The barrister then admitted he did not know if the designer shirt was legitimate or not.
Mr Stanton also referred to the evidence before the court in his submission.
“(Mansell’s) involvement appears not to be extensive or compelling,” the barrister said.
“The prospect of him fleeing … the jurisdiction (before the matter reappears in court) would not cause this court to be overly concerned.”
Mr Stanton referred to Mansell’s mental health, noting the 22-year-old is currently seeking treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar, “severe” anxiety, and depression.
The solicitor suggested it could take years before an outcome is reached due to case’s “complexity”, pointing to what he calls substantial “delays in execution” in many NSW courts, but the police prosecution said these are “merely routine” delays.
Mr Stanton also noted the “inevitability of full-time jail” for both men, if they are convicted.
The lawyer went on to tell the court Mansell does not own a passport, and reminded the magistrate his client is still in his youth.
Mr Stanton presented strict bail conditions his client would abide by if released, including to reside at a Wyong address, report to police daily, not leave home unless in the company of his mum and abide by a curfew.
The barrister also said Mansell would stay within the state of NSW, provide a surety of $10,000, possess only one phone without encrypted apps, surrender it for checks if required, take his prescribed medication, and continue to consult a psychiatrist.
Similar bail conditions were offered for father-of-three Holloway, except Mr Stanton suggested Holloway live in Forster and not leave the house unless in the company of Rebecca Johnson.
The lawyer suggested his wife and children, along with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression, make Holloway a “remote” fear of fleeing.
However, the prosecution objected to the bail request, noting Ms Johnson is alleged to have “some level of involvement” in the illegal dealings, according to the police facts.
Ms Johnson has not been charged with any offence and The Mid-North Coast News does not suggest otherwise.
The prosecution also referenced evidence that the men engaged in phone conversations in the days leading up to the arrival of the alleged 8kg illegal package, noted they were both present at the Forster address when a notice of delivery was sent, and claimed the men have travelled together both to and from Forster prior to their arrest.
“They have effectively been caught red-handed,” the police prosecutor said.
Ms Hawkins said she was not satisfied the men were suitable for bail, claiming the evidence would “indicate there is a very strong case” against both Mansell and Holloway.
The magistrate assured the men mental health treatment can be delivered in custody.
Mansell and Holloway will reappear in court on December 21.
EARLIER
Two men have been charged after police seized 8kg of ice as part of a large-scale drug supply investigation on the state’s Mid-North Coast.
NSW Police said Strike Force Nillo was tasked with investigating the importation and supply of methylamphetamine in Northern NSW.
Authorities believe the drugs have a potential street value of more than $4 million.
The men, aged 22 and 29, were arrested and charged with large commercial supply of prohibited drug following the alleged discovery of the parcels, which police say were originally imported from Turkey, following the execution of a search warrant of a Hawaii Ave home in Forster on October 18.
“During a search of the property police seized items including cash, mobile phones and other property,” a NSW Police spokeswoman said. “These items will undergo further examination.”
Police first intercepted the packages last month at a mailing facility in Melbourne.
During the search police seized cash, mobile phones and other property which they will examine further.
Both men were both refused bail and will appear in Taree Local Court on Wednesday, October 19.
Inquiries under Strike Force Nillo are continuing, and anyone with information that can assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
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