Steven Laurence Austin: Alleged meth trafficker granted bail after appearance in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court

A man who was allegedly caught with half a million dollars worth of methamphetamine has been granted bail on tight conditions.

Steven Laurence Austin appeared in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court on February 23 after allegedly being caught in a car with 489g of methamphetamine after a routine traffic stop in South Greenough.

Police Prosecutor Sgt Ross Gray opposed bail, arguing the serious nature of the offence made Mr Austin a significant flight risk.

Sgt Gray told the court Mr Austin had not been complying with police requests by refusing to allow them to access his phone.

Mr Austin is under investigation after another 15g of methamphetamine was allegedly found by police while searching his home, and Sgt Gray said there was a concern Mr Austin would interfere with the ongoing investigation.

Mr Austin’s lawyer, Vesna Amidzic, said there was no evidence the defendant was a flight risk.

Ms Amidzic said Mr Austin, who had been in custody since February 7, had been a passenger in the car which police stopped and there was “not a compelling case” against him.

Magistrate Mark Millington decided bail would be granted on strict conditions, including a $50,000 surety and a night-time curfew.

“When this type of, amount of, drugs are involved, those requirements are something you will have to abide by,” Mr Millington said.

Mr Austin will next appear in court on May 4.

His co-accused Aaryn Trousdale will appear on March 20.