Brett Peterson charged after illegal firearms, crossbows found in Gymea home

A magistrate was particularly concerned about releasing the man into the community when he had access to illegal firearms, and children. Find out the strict bail conditions he imposed.

A magistrate has raised concerns about the safety risk of allowing a school bus driver to be released into the community while he allegedly had illegal firearms and crossbows at his home, a court has heard.

Brett Peterson, 59, appeared in Sutherland Local Court on Wednesday where he was granted bail to be placed under house arrest after police seized illegal firearms and weapons at his home in Sydney’s south.

Peterson came under the notice of State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad detectives who were investigating the 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 Tuesday.

Sutherland courthouse.

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.

In court on Wednesday, Peterson’s lawyer Matthew Breeze said the .22 calibre guns and air rifles allegedly belonged to Peterson’s late father, noting they were “antique” and “very old”.

Mr Breeze submitted the only ammunition that was found were pellets for the air rifle not bullets for the .22 guns, adding they were located at the house and not in his car or being given to anyone to be used for “far more serious criminal conduct”.

The lawyer said 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.

“He works two or three days a week doing school bus runs and various other bus routes such as to and from the airport,” Mr Breeze said.

Magistrate Roger Prowse said he had to consider the safety of the community and was particularly concerned Peterson had access to the allegedly illegal firearms and children through his work.

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”.

Mr Breeze said that was the explanation he had been given by Peterson, and noted the barrel needed other parts to cause harm, adding his client had no desire to use the firearms.

“He has significant community ties. If granted bail he is not the type of person to go on the run or skip bail,” he said.

“He is the type of person who will answer bail and see the charges through to the end, whatever pleas they may be.”

His partner and her daughter were in court to support Peterson, and $5000 surety could be offered to secure his release.

Mr Breeze noted his client co-operated with police when he was arrested and told them they would find rifles at his house.

Magistrate 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 agreed to grant bail on the condition Peterson live at a home in San Souci, not leave the house unless in the company of a man who resided at the address and he must be taken straight from Sutherland Police Station to the house upon his release.

Peterson is prohibited from entering his Gymea home street and police will make compliance checks.

“I’m not a bad person,” Peterson protested in court before the case will return to court on August 2.