A man has appeared in Newcastle Local Court to deny firearm charges following an alleged incident in Williamstown. The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces multiple counts related to the possession of an illegal handgun.
Court Appearance
During the brief hearing, the defendant entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. Magistrate Ian Cheetham adjourned the matter to a later date for a case conference. The accused was granted conditional bail, with strict conditions including reporting to police regularly and residing at a specified address.
Allegations
Police allege that on October 15, officers executed a search warrant at a property in Williamstown, where they discovered a loaded handgun concealed in a bedroom. The man was arrested at the scene and later charged with possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition without a permit.
According to court documents, the firearm is believed to be a 9mm pistol, which was not registered to the accused. The prosecution claims the weapon was within reach of the defendant at the time of the search.
Defence Response
Defence lawyer Sarah Thompson argued that the search warrant was executed improperly and that the evidence should be excluded. She stated that her client denies any knowledge of the firearm and maintains his innocence. The matter will return to court in February for a mention hearing.
The case has drawn attention due to the serious nature of the charges and the location of the alleged offence in the quiet suburb of Williamstown. Local residents expressed surprise at the incident, with many describing the area as typically peaceful.
Legal Process
Under New South Wales law, possession of an unlicensed firearm carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment. The court will consider the admissibility of evidence before proceeding to a full hearing. The accused remains on bail pending further proceedings.
