A NEWLY unemployed Warrnambool man allegedly caught with 28 grams of amphetamine was yesterday granted bail.
Andrew Brentnall, 26, of Caroline Court, appeared in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court yesterday to apply for bail after being charged with trafficking amphetamine.
He was released until May 8 with the conditions he report to police on Mondays and Wednesdays and that he not use illegal drugs. Police allege that Mr Brentnall travelled to Melbourne on Thursday where he bought 28 grams of amphetamine on consignment for $2500.
Mr Brentnall was alleged to have been intercepted by police on the eastern outskirts of Warrnambool when he returned home about 11pm with his partner in the car.
A search by police detectives and officers uncovered 28 grams of amphetamine in four plastic bags.
Yesterday police did not oppose the bail application by Mr Brentnall, who had made a no-comment interview with police.
Prosecutor Senior Con-stable Kevin Mullins said police were confident they had a strong case in relation to the charge of trafficking amphetamine.
Defence counsel Amanda Chambers said her client had no prior criminal history.
She submitted that if Mr Brentnall pleaded guilty to the charge he may not receive a term of imprisonment.
Ms Chambers said Mr Brentnall had ended long-term employment last week and shared a house with his partner, his brother and his brother’s partner.
She said he had lived in Warrnambool for two-and-a- half years and his family was originally from Cobram.
“There is a strong possibility he will not receive an immediate term of imprisonment,” Ms Chambers said.
In reply, Melbourne magistrate Peter Mealey said via a video link that may be the case if Mr Brentnall received a concession in sentencing by pleading guilty to the charge.
Ms Chambers said that in her initial discussions with Mr Brentnall there seemed a strong likelihood that he would plead guilty.
She said that if a magistrate had been available in Warrnambool yesterday her client may have pleaded guilty immediately.