Accused Hamilton drug dealer Dechlan Keightley granted bail over alleged meth, cocaine seizure

A Hamilton man facing serious drugs charges after police allege they found meth and cocaine at his house, has made a plea for bail. Read what happened in court.

Dechlan Keightley was charged with drug supply in July last year after a raid on his Hamilton property. Picture: iStock

A Hamilton man facing serious drug dealing charges, allegedly caught with a large amount of meth when police raided his home, has been granted bail.

Dechlan Keightley, 20, was arrested by Newcastle detectives in July last year before police allege they seized almost 200 grams of methylamphetamine, a small amount of cocaine, and more than $8000 in cash at his Hamilton residence.

A replica glock pistol was also allegedly seized by officers.

Keightley was charged with two counts of supplying a commercial quantity of drugs, drug possession, knowingly dealing in the proceeds of crime and possession of an unauthorised firearm.

The 20-year-old has been in custody since his arrest after failing to have bail granted shortly after his arrest.

Police allegedly seized meth and cocaine at Keightley’s Hamilton property. Picture: iStock.

More than $8000 in cash was also allegedly seized. Picture: iStock.

In Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, six months on from his last attempt, Keightley appeared via video link and tried his luck again.

His legal aid solicitor Martin Vasquez told the court his original application for bail proposed he reside at the Hamilton address where the alleged drugs and gun was found, but this time there was a new address for him to be released at Mayfield.

He told the court there had been significant delays in Keightley’s matters and he had already spent a significant time in custody, and that a change in circumstances would be in his favour.

The Crown did not oppose bail but asked Magistrate Janine Lacy to include a condition that Keightley abstain from drugs on his release.

Magistrate Lacy said she was satisfied in the change of circumstances and address and granted him bail on the basis he report to police daily, adhere to a strict curfew between 8pm and 6am, not apply for an international passport and abstain from drugs and alcohol.

Keightley has not yet entered any pleas in his matters and they will be listed for further mention in March.