A Maiden Gully man appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates Court today on drugs and firearms charges. Wade Deverest, 24, of Belac Street, Maiden Gully, was arrested five weeks ago and charged with possession of an unregistered firearm and 28 grams of amphetamines. Mr Deverest’s defence counsel entered a plea of not guilty on her client’s behalf.
The accused spoke only to confirm his name. He faces multiple charges in relation to the long-rifle found during the warranted search carried out by officers on the morning of the September 23rd, along with further charges relating to the possession of trafficable amounts of a controlled substance.
“My client is obviously not guilty,” Legal Aid solicitor Jane Austin stated. “He has two witnesses who gave evidence that the police themselves planted the gun and the drugs in my client’s home.”
The prosecutor, Sergeant Mick McCrann, laughed aloud at this. “Mr Deverest was allegedly half-naked, allegedly posing with a rifle, and allegedly smoking amphetamines when officers knocked down his front door,” he said.
No application was made for bail, and the case was adjourned at the request of the prosecution while they recovered from their attack of humour. Mr Deverest was remanded to appear at a later date.During the raid on the defendant’s home, two other males were also taken into custody and are currently helping police with their enquiries.