A Lismore pair are facing firearm and stolen-vehicle charges after Highway Patrol officers stopped a Mazda CX-3, reported stolen from a Queensland car hire company, on Tamar Street, Ballina, about 9.45pm on Tuesday.
Police allege the male passenger ran from the vehicle along Tamar Street but was arrested a short time later.
The female driver was arrested at the scene.
During a search of the passenger and a bag he allegedly dropped, officers claim they found a shortened firearm, ammunition and a glass pipe.
Charges
Jade Cook, 29, has been charged with six offences: possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm, possessing a shortened firearm without authority, acquiring a prohibited firearm without a licence or permit, failing to keep a prohibited firearm safely, possessing ammunition without authority.
He was also charged with possessing equipment for administering prohibited drugs.
Patricia Elaine Roberts, 32, the alleged driver ,was charged with taking and driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent.
Pair appear in Bail Division
The pair appeared before Judge Robinson in Bail Division on Wednesday, where Cook did not apply for bail.
Roberts’ defence lawyer, Sally McPherson, told the court her client had entered into a hire agreement with the Surfers Paradise car company on August 4.
Ms McPherson said the company had tried to contact Roberts and that Roberts had also attempted to reach the company but experienced problems with her phone.
Police prosecutor , Sargent Safari opposed bail, arguing Roberts could reoffend or endanger the community.
The prosecutor told the court Roberts had allegedly admitted taking “a few puffs” of methamphetamine and that there were other indications of methamphetamine and cannabis use.
The court also found Roberts had breached bail conditions attached to an existing personal AVO matter.
Bail outcomes
Cook was refused bail and remains in custody. He will return to Ballina Local Court on August 27.
He also has existing domestic violence matters listed at Lismore Local Court on August 24.
Roberts was granted conditional bail and must report to Lismore Police Station three days a week, abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs, and have no contact with Cook.
Her vehicle matter is listed at Ballina Local Court on August 20, while the separate AVO matter will return to Lismore Local Court on September 7.
(Main Image : NSW Police)