Charles Vincent Read faces weapons, drugs, breach of bail and evade police charges
The son of underworld figure Mark ‘Chopper’ Read has been hit with a string of fresh charges just months after a police chase allegedly resulted in officers finding ammo and drugs in the car. Details >
Tasmania
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The son of underworld figure Mark ‘Chopper’ Read has been hit with a string of fresh charges just months after a police chase allegedly resulted in officers finding ammo and drugs in the car.
Charles Vincent Read, 23, was set to appear in Hobart Magistrates Court on June 15 – but his lawyer asked that the matter be stood down until the afternoon sittings.
Court documents since seen by the Mercury show police had charged Read with breach of bail the day before, on June 14.
The charge particular alleges Read failed to sign the register of persons at Sorell Police Station.
Five days before, on June 9, Read is again alleged to have breached his bail, and evaded police by not pulling over after they turned on their emergency lights.
It is alleged that Read breached his bail by leaving home without being in the company of his mother, or another man.
He is also charged with breaching bail twice on May 20, and stealing a car at Richmond on April 30.
For the breaches of bail on May 20, it is alleged that Read breached his 9pm curfew after he did not present himself to police at 9:01pm and 9:48pm.
Read was previously brought to court from custody on February 17 this year after he was charged with offences including aggravated evade police, dangerous driving, stealing, possessing a shortened firearm, and possession of an unregistered firearm.
In documents police allege Read drove dangerously by careening in and out of lands on the Midlands Highway at Bridgewater, after all four of the vehicle’s tyres had been punctured.
“ … [And] struggling to maintain control of your vehicle while travelling at speed,” the charge particular reads.
Read was charged with multiple weapons related offences including counts of possess shortened firearm – a Norica .22 calibre rifle, 12 .303 rounds, 19 .22 rounds, and three 12 gauge cartridges.
He was also charged with possessing a firearm when not the holder of a licence – a .303 British Savage Arms Lee Enfield bolt action rifle – possessing meth, and possession of an unregistered firearm.
Read is yet to enter pleas, and will reappear in court in August.
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