John Hulme: Malua Bay man pleads not guilty to recklessly deal with proceeds of crime

A NSW south coast man has denied allegations he recklessly dealt with proceeds of crime, totalling an alleged $500,000.

John Hulme leaving Batemans Bay Local Court.

A south coast man accused of dealing with $500,000 of alleged illegal funds has officially denied the serious allegations in court.

John Hulme, 60, faced Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday, charged with one count of recklessly deal with the proceeds of crime, greater than $5000.

It was during this appearance that the Malua Bay man pleaded not guilty to the alleged offence.

Documents tendered to court allege Hulme was dealing with monetary proceeds of crime between February 23 and November 17, 2022.

NSW Police allege Hulme was dealing with $500,000, believed to be the monetary reward from criminal activities.

However, the court is yet to hear where the money is believed to have originated from.

Police also allege Hulme was “reckless” in his dealing with the half-a-million dollars.

John Hulme pleaded not guilty to the charge on Monday.

In Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday, Hulme’s lawyer Samantha Henry asked the matter be adjourned to allow a hearing date to be set.

While Magistrate Doug Dick agreed the matter needed to be adjourned, he said the alleged facts were “serious” and the charge needed to be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions [DPP].

“We will need to have a brief [of evidence] completed by the next appearance for the DPP,” he said.

Hulme will return to Batemans Bay Local Court on April 22.

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