ID :
200905
Fri, 08/12/2011 - 14:55
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/200905
The shortlink copeid
Disgraced swimmer mentioned in drug case
SYDNEY (AAP) - Disgraced swimmer Ayrton Dickey is to give evidence in a drugs supply case against Kings Cross nightclub owner Adam Freeman.
Freeman, 28, was extradited to Australia last week after Thai authorities arrested him in June on a global warrant relating to $3 million worth of the drug ecstasy.
The son of the late underworld figure George Freeman, he has been charged with the manufacture of a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug.
During a bail hearing in Sydney's Central Local Court on Friday, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) lawyer Jot Mehta said Dickey was listed in the police brief of evidence against Freeman.
The swimmer was arrested in February in connection with a separate multi-million-dollar drug ring and has pleaded guilty to charges of drug possession.
Charges of supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug were withdrawn and Dickey will be sentenced in December.
Mr Mehta also indicated the crown would request $1 million in surety if magistrate Lee Gilmore decided to grant Freeman bail.
Freeman left Australia the day after a friend was allegedly caught with 19.5 kilograms of methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and drug paraphernalia during a vehicle stop near Tamworth on December 15.
He is now one of four men before the courts in relation to the drug find.
Mr Mehta told the court that Freeman was seen on a property at Werris Creek, where the drugs were allegedly manufactured.
Freeman's fingerprints were also allegedly on a number of items seized by police while a mobile phone had messages referencing pressing pills and attempts to commit further offences.
Mr Mehta opposed Freeman's bail application, saying another 40kg of the drugs were unaccounted for and made him a flight risk.
"There is a real concern that the accused will have access to proceeds from that drug," he said.
But Freeman's lawyer Winston Terracini, SC, said his client had reported to authorities in Thailand after learning of the warrant for his arrest, and after his return to Australia his passport had been seized.
"Where's he going to run to? How's he going to get away?" Mr Terracini asked.
Freeman's girlfriend, model Dominique Le Toullec, also gave evidence in court, saying she had breakfast with him at Bondi Beach on the morning he departed for Thailand.
She said on that day he had a bag with him that she did not see in his possession when she later visited him in Bangkok.
Magistrate Lee Gilmore adjourned the matter until Monday, when it is expected she will rule on Freeman's bail application.
Freeman, 28, was extradited to Australia last week after Thai authorities arrested him in June on a global warrant relating to $3 million worth of the drug ecstasy.
The son of the late underworld figure George Freeman, he has been charged with the manufacture of a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug.
During a bail hearing in Sydney's Central Local Court on Friday, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) lawyer Jot Mehta said Dickey was listed in the police brief of evidence against Freeman.
The swimmer was arrested in February in connection with a separate multi-million-dollar drug ring and has pleaded guilty to charges of drug possession.
Charges of supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug were withdrawn and Dickey will be sentenced in December.
Mr Mehta also indicated the crown would request $1 million in surety if magistrate Lee Gilmore decided to grant Freeman bail.
Freeman left Australia the day after a friend was allegedly caught with 19.5 kilograms of methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and drug paraphernalia during a vehicle stop near Tamworth on December 15.
He is now one of four men before the courts in relation to the drug find.
Mr Mehta told the court that Freeman was seen on a property at Werris Creek, where the drugs were allegedly manufactured.
Freeman's fingerprints were also allegedly on a number of items seized by police while a mobile phone had messages referencing pressing pills and attempts to commit further offences.
Mr Mehta opposed Freeman's bail application, saying another 40kg of the drugs were unaccounted for and made him a flight risk.
"There is a real concern that the accused will have access to proceeds from that drug," he said.
But Freeman's lawyer Winston Terracini, SC, said his client had reported to authorities in Thailand after learning of the warrant for his arrest, and after his return to Australia his passport had been seized.
"Where's he going to run to? How's he going to get away?" Mr Terracini asked.
Freeman's girlfriend, model Dominique Le Toullec, also gave evidence in court, saying she had breakfast with him at Bondi Beach on the morning he departed for Thailand.
She said on that day he had a bag with him that she did not see in his possession when she later visited him in Bangkok.
Magistrate Lee Gilmore adjourned the matter until Monday, when it is expected she will rule on Freeman's bail application.
