Vanessa Amorosi’s cousin Eden Merritt allegedly possessed trafficable number of guns and drugs, stolen goods
A man who once lived on the property at the heart of a bitter feud between pop star Vanessa Amorosi and her mum, is facing more than 50 serious charges.
South East
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A cousin of Aussie pop star Vanessa Amorosi is facing more than 50 charges including possessing a trafficable quantity of firearms.
Eden Merritt on Thursday appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court via video link to answer a string of firearm, driving, theft and drugs charges relating to alleged offences in May.
Mr Merritt, 35, wore a shirt and tie to the hearing which he participated in from remand.
He will contest all 53 charges in the County Court in January.
Some of the alleged offences read to the court included possessing a trafficable quantity of guns, multiple car thefts, being in possession of stolen property and possessing meth and Butane-1,4-diol.
Mr Merritt was also charged with multiple driving offences including recklessly exposing an emergency services worker to risk and damaging an emergency services vehicle through reckless driving.
Thursday’s hearing came after an appearance the day before was cut short when Mr Merritt told the court he was “confused” about the charges he was being asked to plead to.
He later told the magistrate he wished to plead not guilty, however, the case was adjourned to allow him time to consult his lawyer.
He returned to court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Herald Sun understands Mr Merritt once lived at a Narre Warren North property owned by Aussie pop star Vanessa Amorosi.
According to the electoral roll both are registered to the Boundary Rd address which has two dwellings, a house Ms Amorosi’s mother Joyleen was recently ordered by the Supreme Court to vacate and a shack where Mr Merritt lived.
The Herald Sun is not suggesting Ms Amorosi lived in the shack or that she lived there while Mr Merritt was there.
It is also not suggested Vanessa Amorosi had any knowledge whatsoever about the charges Mr Merritt was facing.