Brett Peterson: Bus driver charged with firearms, weapons offences applies to return home

A south Sydney man whose house was raided following an investigation into the alleged importation and manufacture of 3D printed firearms has sought to change his bail conditions.

A bus driver who allegedly had illegal firearms and crossbows has been allowed to return to his home where the weapons were seized.

Brett Peterson, 59, appeared in Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday to apply to change his bail conditions and curfew.

Peterson was arrested in July following an investigation into the alleged importation and manufacture of 3D printed firearms and was granted release the following day.

He was placed under house arrest after police seized illegal firearms and weapons at his home in Gymea.

On Tuesday, Peterson’s lawyer applied to have his curfew deleted and change his place of residence so he could return home.

Magistrate Melissa Humphreys agreed to change the conditions after receiving evidence the police seized firearms during his arrest and all weapons were forfeited.

A bus driver has applied to change his bail conditions. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

She also accepted that Peterson was a person of good character and had been on bail without breach for two months.

The court previously heard Peterson came under the notice of State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad detectives who were investigating the alleged importation and manufacture of 3D printed firearms, firearm parts and other improvised firearms into NSW.

Strike Force Temarang arrested Peterson on Box Road, Taren Point about 12pm on July 19 this year.

Police said a search of his Gymea home that afternoon uncovered three unregistered firearms, several crossbows, two sling shots, a blow dart and an amount of methamphetamine, which were seized.

Peterson was taken to Sutherland Police Station where he was charged with three counts of possess unauthorised firearm, three counts of possess unregistered firearm-not pistol/ prohibited firearm, six counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, one count each of possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, receive a firearm/firearm barrel by mail at NSW address, and possess prohibited drug.

Brett Peterson was granted bail in July after police allegedly found illegal firearms and weapons at his home.

The court previously heard the .22 calibre guns and air rifles allegedly belonged to Peterson’s late father, noting they were “antique” and “very old”.

The court heard Peterson had no criminal history, was in a relationship with a woman for about 10 years and worked part time at his partner’s daughter’s transport business, Plan B Transport.

Upon granting bail initially, Magistrate Roger Prowse only agreed to release Peterson under strict house arrest bail conditions, and did not allow him to return to his home where the firearms were located.

He said the most serious charges related to a barrel that was allegedly delivered in the mail, along with the crossbows found at his house, noting an inference could be drawn that Peterson was “arming oneself for conflict”.

Magistrate Prowse also raised concerns about the safety risk of allowing a school bus driver to be released into the community when he allegedly had access to weapons.

Peterson is yet to enter pleas to the charges.