Stephanie Bell, Jesse Moore: Couple charged with trafficking

A young Tasmanian couple have appeared in court for the first time on a combined 14 charges, including trafficking in MDMA, amphetamine and cocaine. DETAILS >

South Launceston couple Jesse Dean Moore, 27, and Stephanie Bell, 23. Picture: Alex Treacy

A young Tasmanian couple have appeared in court for the first time on a combined 14 charges, most seriously trafficking in MDMA, amphetamine and cocaine.

South Launceston pair Jesse Dean Moore, 27, and Stephanie Bell, 23, who are in a relationship, appeared in Launceston Magistrates Court on Wednesday for the first mention of the charges.

The pair are represented by top Tasmanian silk Patrick O’Halloran, who requested a first appearance adjournment to June 27. The adjournment was granted.

Ms Bell has been charged with six offences.

They are trafficking in a controlled substance – major offence, dealing with proceeds of crime, possessing and using a controlled drug, and possessing a thing used to administer a controlled drug and administering it to another person.

It’s understood this latter charge relates to Mr Moore, who has moved with the aid of a wheelchair since fracturing and dislocating his neck on January 5, 2018, after a diving accident.

Mr Moore has been charged with eight offences.

They are trafficking in a controlled substance – major offence, dealing with proceeds of crime, possessing and using a controlled drug, selling and supplying a controlled drug, and possessing a bestiality product.

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It’s understood this latter charge relates to Mr Moore allegedly possessing a copy of the infamous trout video, which went viral earlier this year and resulted in two Tasmanians being charged with bestiality offences. The couple were not involved in its making.

It’s understood his alleged possession of the video was detected by Tasmania Police during an analysis of his mobile phone.

Mr Moore and Ms Bell were charged by Tasmania Police on February 3 following the execution of a search warrant on their residence.

Announcing the charges previously, police said they would allege that they uncovered quantities of MDMA (ecstasy), amphetamine, cocaine and cash at the pair’s residence.