The man accused of heading a lucrative cannabis-peddling ring is to remain in custody after his bail application was rejected by a Dubbo magistrate.
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Graham John Wiseman, 45, who appeared in Dubbo Local Court facing charges of conspiracy to supply a prohibited drug and supplying cannabis in a commercial quantity, smiled and waved to a large crowd of supporters in the public gallery as he was led into court.
Already on bail for maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm when he was arrested on the drug charges in May this year, Mr Wiseman was described by Magistrate David Heilpern as the “master of the whole operation”.
“This is a serious matter and Mr Wiseman has already been charged with a violent offence,” he said.
“The statement of facts describe him as the lynchpin in this operation that involves considerable amounts of money.
“I take into account the fact he was already on bail (when this offence occurred) and therefore bail is refused.”
Members of Mr Wiseman’s family in the public gallery of the court expressed their shock at Magistrate Heilpern’s decision with a number muttering “you’re joking” and “I can’t bloody believe it”.
Bail was also refused for Malcolm Maguire who, according to police, was Graham Wiseman’s “right-hand man”.
Magistrate Heilpern refused bail on the grounds of Mr Maguire’s “violent history”.
Lucas Wiseman, facing charges of supply/knowingly taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug and conspiracy, was granted bail.
Lucas Wiseman had been granted bail at a court sitting earlier this year although the $300,000 set for bail had not been paid.
Magistrate Heilpern granted bail again despite Mr Wiseman’s “considerable criminal record including a jail term”; this time setting bail at $50,000 with Mr Wiseman obliged to stay in Sydney until the next court hearing.
One of the operation’s “core employees”, Joseph George Murray, 20, currently in a de facto relationship with one of Graham Wiseman’s daughters, was also granted bail.
Mr Murray was ordered to reside in Lightning Ridge, report to police three days a week and not come within 50km of Dubbo.
Colin Brian Cohen, 23, allegedly involved in the delivery and supply of drugs to the Kempsey and Taree areas, was granted bail.
Magistrate Heilpern ordered Mr Cohen to reside in Peak Hill, adding he did not want any of the accused to remain in Dubbo.
Bail was also granted to alleged co-conspirator Stephen Lamph, with bail continued for “lookout” Reginald Taylor, Sara Wiseman, Priscilla Columb and father-of-two David Riley.
Despite being remanded in custody by Magistrate Heilpern on a previous occasion, Mr Riley was released on bail following an appeal to the Supreme Court.
Charmaine Cohen, facing charges of possessing a prohibited drug, was fined $100 by Magistrate Heilpern.
A bail application was not lodged for alleged conspirator Graham Keys, with his matters adjourned until August 29, while a bail hearing for Peter Finch, who was arrested in Taree in May, was rescheduled to July 18.
Graham Wiseman’s brother Max also faced Dubbo Local Court yesterday on separate matters.
Charged with possessing stolen goods and escaping police custody, Mr Wiseman’s matters were set down for hearing on October 26. All matters relating to the alleged drug ring were adjourned until August 8.