A woman who was extradited from Victoria following a long-standing drug supply investigation has been granted bail in Wagga Local Court.
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The Rock’s Katie Barnett is charged with the supply of 28.4 grams of methamphetamine and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime with the intent to conceal.
The 32-year-old was arrested on October 27 along with Coolamon co-accused Samuel John Shepard, who is alleged to have supplied 507.5 grams of methamphetamine at Wagga between July 17 and October 26.
Solicitor Morgan Jones, who represented Barnett, told the court on Monday that his client had never intended to flee the state.
“At the time of her arrest she was in the process of moving to Wodonga because she wanted a fresh start,” Mr Jones said.
“She had enrolled her children in school and applied for two houses.
“It was a bona fide attempt to leave and it was no secret.”
Mr Jones said there was a availability for Barnett, a mother of three children, at a full-time rehabilitation facility to tackle her “serious drug problem” from Tuesday morning.
Magistrate Michael Crompton granted bail and imposed a number of conditions, including that Barnett must forfeit her passport, not leave the state for any purpose or contact the co-accused.
Barnett’s father, who was present in the public gallery, also agreed to pay $5000 as surety to the court.
Both Barnett and Shepard, 37, will appear in Wagga Local Court again on December 20 after a brief of evidence is served.
Shepard remains in custody at Junee Correctional Centre.