July 31st 2024.
A 68-year-old man, Barry James Calverley, was recently arrested at Sydney Airport for allegedly smuggling 5kg of heroin, worth $2.25 million, into Australia from Vietnam. His lawyers have argued that he is not involved in the world of organised crime as they made a bail bid on his behalf.
The lawyers explained that Calverley, who is in his sixties, does not pose a flight risk due to his age and strong ties to the community. They also stated that he intends to plead not guilty against the allegations. However, Justice Belinda Rigg denied his bail, stating that the case against him seems to be relatively strong, despite it not being the most serious or sophisticated instance of this kind of offense.
Ryan, one of Calverley's lawyers, pointed out that a trial would not take place until 2025, where his client plans to contest the charge of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. This offense carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Ryan also argued that by the time the trial started, Calverley would have already spent more than a year behind bars, which is a significant amount of time for someone of his age and health difficulties.
On the other hand, the prosecution argued that Calverley's medical history, which includes having skin cancers removed and experiencing gastrointestinal problems and a raised heartbeat while in custody, is not serious enough to warrant his release. They stated that his medical conditions are common and mild, without much evidence to support their severity.
Calverley's daughter has offered to pay a bail surety of $5000 and accompany her father back to his home in Western Australia, where he lives with his wife of 31 years. However, the judge refused the bail, and Calverley is due to be arraigned on the charge later this year.
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