An 84-year old World War Two veteran was granted bail in Dubbo Local Court last Tuesday, as he faced charges over an alleged gun-running bust in Forbes earlier this year.
Appearing on 26 charges relating to possessing and selling prohibited and unregistered firearms, Norman Whybrow, well known in the Forbes community, was granted bail by Magistrate Howard Hamilton who was 'only just persuaded to grant bail'.
Police raided six businesses and private residences in Forbes and Peak Hill in May, seizing more than 350 firearms and between 200,000 and a million rounds of ammunition, at least 50kg of gun powder, prohibited high-powered slingshots and silencers, and a hand grenade.
Desmond John Smith, 63, John Nattista Ianni, 55, and Matthew John Wallace, 34, previously appeared in Forbes Local Court in relation to the incident.
In requesting bail, Legal Aid told the court that Whybrow was 84 years old, had no prior convictions and had provided police with information that led them to locate eight illegal pistols, silencers and ammunition.
Appearing via audiovisual link in a wheelchair, Whybrow asked via Legal Aid that bail be granted because Whybrow needed urgent medical attention and time to see a specialist for heart trouble and circulation problems.
Magistrate Howard Hamilton granted bail to Whybrow and ordered a deposit of cash or securities of $25,000 and a sum of $25,000 from an acceptable person.
Magistrate Hamilton stated Whybrow must comply with strict bail conditions and will appear in Forbes Local Court on September 1, with a brief to be served on August 25.
MEANWHILE, a Forbes man charged in connection with the raid was given a three year good behaviour bond in Forbes Local Court on Monday.
Matthew John Wallace, 37, was charged with 13 offences, including possession of unregistered firearms, possession of prohibited weapons and not keeping firearms safely.
Mr Wallace was not charged with any offences in relation to supply of illegal firearms.
Mr Wallace pleaded guilty to all the offences in Forbes Local Court on June 2.
He was granted conditional bail and returned to court yesterday for sentencing.
Magistrate Ron Maiden sentenced Mr Wallace to a section nine bond (good behaviour bond) for three years.