It is alleged a bikie wrapped up a loaded gun and placed it under a Christmas tree then ordered his son to hide the weapon in an unusual place.
An alleged bikie wrapped a loaded handgun to pass it off as a present under his Christmas tree, a court has heard.
Mark Barford, who police say is a member of the Descendants outlaw motorcycle gang, was caught after officers attempted to serve him with a firearms prohibition order in December last year.
In a bail application on Tuesday, the Adelaide Magistrates Court heard he has now spent nearly a year behind bars and should be released for reasons including his deteriorating health.
Nick Vadasz, for Barford, said his client’s explanation for his actions was “nowhere near as sinister as the prosecution wishes to accept”.
The court has previously heard officers rang Barford’s mobile and heard him tell his son, Adam, to remove a black and gold package from under the tree and hide it in the toilet of their home in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
When members of the Crime Gangs Taskforce arrived at the house, they found Adam Barford in the bathroom holding his phone in one hand and the package, with a revolver inside, in the other. They also allegedly uncovered methamphetamine, ammunition, an expandable baton and a crossbow hidden at the property.The pair is yet to enter pleas to multiple drug and firearms offences.
While Adam Barford, 19, has been released on bail, the court heard his 57-year-old father must prove there are special reasons why he should be freed.
Adam Barford has been released on bail but his co-accused, Mark Barford, remains behind bars. Picture: Kathryn Bermingham/NCA NewsWireSource:Supplied
Alleged bikie Mark Barford has been behind bars since December last year. Picture: FacebookSource:Supplied
Mr Vadasz said his client’s mental health had been deteriorating since he believed his son had been killed in a serious motorbike accident in mid-2019.
“You’re dealing with a person who is being treated for serious psychological issues,” he said.
“Whilst he has been painted as a member of an outlaw motorbike gang, he has had a lifelong interest in motorbikes, he’s never been in trouble, he was in full-time employment his entire life, (a) family man.”
He said Mark Barford’s physical health was also declining, and he could not be adequately treated in prison for issues including arthritis, cirrhosis and nerve damage.
But prosecutor Taryn Amos said Barford did not meet the criteria to be granted bail.
“He has already been refused bail once on this file,” she said.
“Other than the passage of time, I don’t see there’s really any difference to the arguments that were led.”
Magistrate David McLeod ordered a home detention bail report. The case will come before the court again early next month.
Australia - BNN.
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