A man has been refused bail on drug and firearm offences following his arrest during a search of a property near Maryborough.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Richard Peters made his unsuccessful application for bail in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court, having had to show exceptional circumstances warranted his release on bail.
The court heard detectives from the Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit attended the Bet Bet property earlier this month and observed Mr Peters, who was working on a car at the address at the time, become "visibly nervous" in their presence.
A rifle was seen in the front passenger foot well of a vehicle, so the officers searched it.
The .22 rifle was loaded and bore a homemade stock and barrel, meaning it had no safety latch.
More court news: Man jailed after sexually abusing daughter for years
The serial number had also been ground off.
They also discovered a large number of .22 rounds, seven 'deal bags' containing 0.1 grams of methamphetamine each, empty bags, a set of scales, a broken stock, 12-gauge shotgun shells, air rifle pellets, and three registration plates - one of which was stolen.
Near the vehicle was an air rifle.
A search of a second vehicle uncovered .22 rounds and .22 magnum rounds and a bolt from a rifle.
Mr Peters was prohibited from possessing firearms at the time of the alleged offending.
More court news: Steps towards rehabilitation keep burglar out of jail
Police prosecutor Courtney Hughes said officers were concerned about the dangerous manner in which the firearms were stored, and the grinding off of the serial number on the .22 was an act designed to conceal it.
Mr Peters told the court another man with whom he'd had an argument had left the ammunition and rifle at the property, so he put them in his car and told the man to pick them up.
He said he did not know the serial number had been ground off.
Mr Peters also said he was a carer for his girlfriend.
"Unfortunately for you, that falls quite a distance from being exceptional," magistrate Alan Spillane said, adding Mr Peters sounded like "a good candidate for staying in custody" given his alleged offending.
The matter was adjourned to the Maryborough Magistrates' Court on September 19.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
