Vicki Walton: Alleged Sutherland meth syndicate member seeks bail

A Sydney woman has launched a compelling case for her freedom five months after she was arrested for her alleged role in a meth supply operation. Read how the court ruled.

Drugs, cash and weapons were seized during Sutherland drug raids by Strike Force Glenogle. Picture: NSW Police

An alleged member of a drug supply syndicate selling meth in the Sutherland Shire has made a successful bid for her freedom.

Vicki Walton, 62, has spent five months in custody after sweeping raids in May following a Strike Force Glenogle investigation.

The unit was established in January 2022 to investigate methylamphetamine sales in the shire.

Detectives raided two premises in Glencoe Street in Sutherland about 6.30am on May 17, seizing meth, $4190 cash and prohibited weapons including an electronic stun device, knives and a whip.

Officers arrested Robert Brown, 53, who police allege was the principal of the drug operation, along with other alleged members including Michelle Wise, 63, David Te Whare, 34, Keith Dehler, 51, Tamara Terrens, 39 and Tim Newton, 48.

Drugs, cash and weapons were seized in raids at homes in Sutherland, Kirrawee and Caringbah during Strike Force Glenogle investigation into the alleged supply of meth. Picture: NSW Police

Following further inquiries, detectives attended a home in Flide Street, Caringbah, about 8.30am on May 19 and executed a search warrant, seizing mobile phones and a NSW Police Force badge.

Walton was arrested at the home and taken to Sutherland Police Station where she was charged with supplying an indictable quantity of prohibited drugs, participating in a criminal group and possessing a police uniform when she was not a police officer/special constable.

Brown was charged with supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, supplying an indictable quantity of prohibited drugs, knowingly or recklessly direct criminal group, deal with proceeds of crime and possess prohibited drug.

The co-accused were charged with various drug offences. None have entered pleas yet.

Sutherland Police carried out the Strike Force Glenogle investigation. Picture: NSW Police

Police allegedly used covert surveillance to monitor the alleged drug dealers. Picture: NSW Police

In Supreme Court on Wednesday, the Crown alleged Walton supplied 16g of meth over 11 occasions.

The court heard it was unclear if the charges would be dealt with in local or district court, and therefore it was noted Walton could be remanded in custody longer than a non-parole sentence if she was convicted.

The court heard Walton had minor driving, drug and shoplifting offences on her criminal record.

Walton’s daughter offered a $3000 surety and to help her mother in whatever way she could from her home on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Walton’s lawyer said the main reason her client needed bail was so she could retain her housing commission property, which she would lose if it was left unoccupied for six months.

All items were seized during search warrants. Picture: NSW Police

Justice Julia Lonergan noted Walton had been in the same social housing for 18 years and would find it “extremely difficult” to find another place to live given she was on Centrelink benefits.

Ms Lonergan took into account Walton valued her house, did not want to lose it and would be at risk of homelessness.

She said the Crown case against Walton appeared strong given there were text messages and telephone intercepts that allegedly implicated her in carrying out the supplies.

Ms Lonergan said the bail concerns could be mitigated with strict conditions, which caused Walton to cry as she heard the outcome.

Seven alleged members of the drug syndicate were arrested in May. Picture: NSW Police

Walton must live at her home in Caringbah, report to police once a week, abide by a night-time curfew and not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs.

She is prohibited from communicating or contacting co-accused Robert Brown and prosecution witnesses.

Walton must comply with medical treatment, not apply for a passport nor approach an international point of departure, and must present herself to the door if police conduct a curfew enforcement check.

She can only have one mobile phone and not use encrypted devices nor apps, and an acceptable person must forfeit $3000 if she failed to comply with her bail conditions.

The case will return to Downing Centre Local Court on October 27.