Police allege David Lavery trafficked 1.2kg of MDMA, bail refused

A man allegedly involved in an aggravated home invasion, also allegedly trafficked 1.2kg of MDMA, according to police.

Geelong Magistrates Court.

An “extremely violent” father allegedly put on a balaclava, armed himself with a firearm and bound another man with cable ties during a home invasion in Connewarre, a court has heard.

Police also allege David Lavery, 34, trafficked a commercial quantity of MDMA, concealed drugs and weapons in his home, and used a fake name during a period of offending.

Mr Lavery appeared in Geelong Magistrates Court for a bail application on Thursday, which was denied by Magistrate Simon Guthrie.

He has been charged with aggravated home invasion and trafficking a commercial quantity of MDMA.

Mr Lavery, a female co-accused and two other people not known to police allegedly went to the Connewarre home while armed with firearms about 5am on November 17 last year.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Jacob Andrews told the court Mr Lavery and the co-accused were wearing balaclavas when then they entered the bedroom, assaulted a man with a firearm and bound him with cable ties.

The woman allegedly stabbed and slashed at the man’s foot leaving him with significant injuries, the court heard.

Mr Lavery allegedly stole several items during the home invasion, including a car which police said was spotted travelling along Toorak Rd just before 9am the same day.

Constable Andrews told the court the alleged victim’s bank card was used to purchase an item about midday that day and said the name used on the order was false.

It's alleged Mr Lavery had been using the fraudulent name to set up various phone accounts, private lease property and utilities.

On December 5, last year, investigators from the Geelong Criminal Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at Mr Lavery’s address in Dalmore, in Melbourne’s south east.

When police arrived, the court heard Mr Lavery had hidden himself in a concealed room in his property.

The court was told police seized about 1.2kg of blue pills, believed to be MDMA, as well as phones, allegedly stolen vehicles, multiple cartridges and ammunition, a sawn-off shotgun, 3D printed pistols and multiple items belonging to the alleged victim.

Constable Andrews said police also found a clear bag believed to be methamphetamine, magic mushrooms and a pill stamp.

“The accused has set up multiple fictitious phone and utility accounts to avoid apprehension by police and has made major renovations to his rental property in an effort to conceal his illicit firearms and drugs,” Constable Andrews said.

Constable Andrews said the alleged home invasion was “extremely violent offending” and added police were concerned Mr Lavery would access illicit firearms if released on bail.

In refusing bail, Mr Guthrie said although Mr Lavery had strong family support, he said he didn’t accept his family understood who Mr Lavery was as a person.

The matter will return to court for a committal on November 28.

Originally published as Police allege David Lavery trafficked 1.2kg of MDMA, bail refused