Ex-lawyer Briana Ioannides refused bail on fresh drug charges

New details of the allegations against an ex-criminal lawyer and convicted drug trafficker – currently behind bars on new charges – have been aired in court.

Ex-criminal lawyer and convicted drug trafficker Briana Ioannides will remain behind bars on fresh charges after a failed bid for bail.

The 34-year-old was arrested last month on more than a dozen new charges including supplying dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, supplying a relevant substance or thing, and possessing items used or suspected of having been used in the commission of an offence.

Ms Ioannides allegedly dealt drugs or similar contraband on several occasions between May 19 and October 18.

It is further alleged she was caught with substances including methylamphetamine, cocaine, and beta blocker medication Propranolol at various Gold Coast locations.

Ms Ioannides was on parole throughout the alleged offending period, having been sentenced to several years’ jail in 2019 for drug trafficking and other offences.

She appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday morning via videolink from Numinbah Correctional Centre. Her application for bail was opposed by police prosecutions.

Briana Christine Ioannides leaving the Southport courthouse.

Defence lawyer Joshua Tiffin, of Jacobson Mahony Lawyers, said the former Gold Coast lawyer’s parole was suspended after the fresh charges were laid and could take months to be reviewed if she was granted bail.

Mr Tiffin said some of Ms Ioannides’ alleged offending might be linked to a relapse, with the supply charges stemming from text messages that remained “open to interpretation”.

“During the first effectively 12 months of my client’s release on parole, the conditions were very strict insofar as having to report every day and submit to regular drug and urine screenings,” he said.

“That then relaxed at or about the time – conveniently – that these offences are alleged to have occurred.”

Mr Tiffin said the combination of parole supervision and bail conditions would reduce the risk of reoffending, and that Ms Ioannides’ rehabilitation would be better facilitated in the community.

There was little reaction from Ms Ioannides or her supporters in the courtroom gallery as the bail application was refused, with the court finding there was an unacceptable risk of her committing further offences.

The case will return to court on December 14.