A PERTH man facing 44 charges has been refused bail after the risk of him returning to drugs was deemed too ‘significant’ for the magistrate.
Slavko Aleksic, 33, was charged with offences relating to traffic, weapons and drug offences.
Appearing via video link from Hakea Prison, Mr Aleksic was refused bail at Perth Magistrates Court today due to his risk of reoffending and lengthy record.
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READ NOWHis Westminster home was raided as part of Operation Signal, an investigation launched by the WA Police meth enforcement taskforce.
Mr Aleksic pleaded not guilty to a number of charges, including possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property and possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell.
His defence counsel said Mr Aleksic should be given bail for rehabilitation and he was not a flight risk as his partner and seven-year-old child lived in Perth.
“The reality of it is, he’s a drug user,” he said.
“But this is the first time he’s been clean for a long time.”
Magistrate Matthew Walton was unconvinced with Mr Aleksic’s prior record of traffic and drug offences.
“Looking at Mr Aleksic’s partner at the back of the court makes this a very difficult decision,” he said.
“The risk of reoffending is too significant … it brings me no joy to say I refuse bail.”
Mr Aleksic is due back in court on September 24.
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