‘Tomato Tins’ drug trafficker John Higgs denied bail

A veteran criminal appealing a lengthy sentence on the Lawyer X principle has been dealt a blow after his bid to leave prison was denied.

Underworld boss John Higgs has been denied bail.

Veteran criminal John Higgs has been denied bail as he appeals his conviction over the massive “Tomato Tins” ecstasy bust.

Higgs is serving 18 years’ jail over his role in the one-time world record importation of 15 million ecstasy pills into Melbourne’s docks, which was seized on arrival in June, 2007.

Known as “Teeth”, the 74-year-old is the latest Tomato Tins syndicate member to appeal his conviction on the Lawyer X principle.

Higgs, who is jailed at Barwon Prison, has served nine years of his sentence and has five years remaining before he can apply for parole.

But the Court of Appeal denied his bail bid ruling he did not meet the “exceptional circumstances” required.

Tomato tins containing 15 million ecstasy pills that were imported to Melbourne.

The tomato tins containing a massive ecstasy haul.

“In summary, the applicant has an application for leave to appeal which raises grounds which we are prepared to accept are at least arguable,” the Court of Appeal ruling stated.

“However, he (Higgs) currently has a number of years to serve before his non-parole period expires.

“In this regard, his position is not very different from many applicants for leave to appeal in this Court.

“The circumstances of his case cannot be described as exceptional –

much less, truly exceptional. The applicant’s application for bail must be refused.”

Authorities were tipped off to the Tomato Tins drug importation by lawyer turned informer, Nicola Gobbo – aka Lawyer X – just weeks before it arrived.

John Higgs is appealing his sentence after the Lawyer X saga.

Gobbo, who was given the shipping document by a client involved in the importation, gave a copy to Victoria Police.

Later, she was deployed to sting Tomato Tins syndicate members before she decided to act as legal counsel for several of those charged as part of the conspiracy.

Higgs argued there was clear evidence she was acting for him while also informing on him to Victoria Police.

Police information reports reveal Gobbo, in February, 2012, gave intelligence to her police handler about Higgs and other known criminals just before his trial.

Documents and emails have been produced to the court.

The court was told last week Gobbo also influenced Higgs’ 2012 trial.