Accused ice-addict allegedly had stolen police gear
A Cranbourne East man with alleged bikie links was reportedly found with an array of drugs, weapons and stolen police equipment in his car. He is now applying for bail, with a court told he is a serious risk to the public.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
An accused bikie was allegedly caught with a police uniform, badge and equipment and an array of drugs, weapons and stolen gear in his car.
Matt Herrere has been bailed to a rehab clinic for drug treatment while he awaits a court hearing on charges including trafficking, assault, weapons and theft-related offences.
The Cranbourne East 25-year-old is also accused of possessing a firearm after his DNA was allegedly found on the trigger of a shotgun that police say was used to threaten a man in a street.
He appeared at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on June 8 via video link to apply for bail after spending the last six months on remand.
The court heard police saw his Holden sedan parked up near the Eden Rise Village Shopping Centre in Berwick on Boxing Day last year.
They allegedly found Mr Herrere in the driver’s seat, although he allegedly didn’t have a licence, and saw a female passenger who had allegedly been beaten to the face and neck.
Police allege they found 3.5g of ice, several containers of GHB, some ecstasy pills, mobile phones, altered number plates, deal bags, ice pipes and bank and ID cards in other people’s names.
They also allegedly uncovered a Taser, a hatchet, a flick knife and shotgun ammunition.
A police uniform, badges and equipment that had been taken from a Frankston address was also allegedly found, and Mr Herrere was arrested and remanded.
He was later also charged with firearm offences after his DNA was allegedly found on a trigger of a shotgun pointed at a man known to police in a Hampton Park incident on January 15 last year.
Police alleged Mr Herrere was a serious risk to the community due to his extensive criminal history, his clear ties to organised criminal groups, or bikies, and a propensity for violent offending.
He has also allegedly admitted having a $600 a day “severe” ice habit that police say he funded through criminal activities as he had no employment or other means of sustaining himself.
In court his defence lawyer said the police case was weak as witnesses had not made statements, there was confusion over the alleged gun DNA evidence and other people had access to the car where all the illegal items were allegedly found.
He said Mr Herrere is contesting the charges and should be bailed to a 12-week inpatient program where he could be treated for his drug addiction while he awaits his court hearing.
MORE COURT NEWS
GUN DEAL: JUNKIE SWAPPED RIFLES FOR ICE AND CASH
DRUGGIE TOOK SELFIE WITH STOLEN POLICE GEAR
Magistrate Greg Connellan said there were problems with the firearms charges and issues with statements regarding the alleged assault, as well as delays due to COVID-19 and police forensic analysis of the drugs.
Mr Herrere was bailed to a drug treatment clinic with conditions including a curfew, that he not drive or take drugs or contact witnesses.
He is listed to appear in court again on August 4.