A man accused of drug manufacturing and firearms offences has been granted bail after the Supreme Court heard his trial may not begin until 2028.
Zenon Joannou, 45, was arrested in May after police allegedly uncovered a clandestine meth lab, chemicals and a loaded firearm at his Paradise home, which he shared with his mother.
During subsequent searches, officers allegedly found two more firearms, a revolver and a lever-action shotgun, along with additional drug-making equipment.
Prosecutors alleged around 100g of methamphetamine was discovered and argued Joannou posed a significant community risk given his history of serious drug and firearm offences. He is yet to enter a plea.
Magistrate Luke Davis had earlier refused him bail, saying: “I’ll just be frank, not even close… You are a dangerous man.”
In the Supreme Court on Monday, Joannou’s lawyer, Benjamin Armstrong, argued that his client’s mother, who recently underwent surgery, required care, and that Joannou also wanted to support his two-year-old son who suffers from a rare genetic disorder. Joannou became visibly emotional when discussing his son.
Justice Julie McIntyre found there was “no suggestion” the child would not be adequately cared for if Joannou remained in custody, and noted other support services were available for his mother. However, she said the length of time before trial weighed heavily in his favour.
“A delay of at least three years from arrest to trial is a very weighty consideration (and), on any view, a significant delay,” Justice McIntyre said.
“In the circumstances, and not without some hesitation, I’ve decided bail should be granted.”
Joannou was released on $4,000 bail under strict monitoring and home detention conditions. He will next face court in January.
Source: The Advertiser.
