The ABC understands the office of the Aboriginal Legal Service in Moree in Northern NSW has been raided by police as part of a probe into the alleged 3D printing of firearms by a solicitor employed by the service.
Joshua David Gale, 32, was arrested during a police compliance check at a property in Moree on August 11, and has been charged with 16 offences, including the alleged manufacture of prohibited firearms.
He was formally refused bail before a Bail Division Court hearing today.
The 32-year-old solicitor was charged with 16 offences. (Supplied: NSW Police)
As part of the investigations, police also executed a search warrant on the offices of the Aboriginal Legal Service in the town’s CBD, where police will allege a 3D printer, blueprints for firearms and a number of digital devices were seized by investigators.
During the compliance check on the second property, NSW Police allegedly seized a bolt-action rifle, two pistols, a semi-automatic privately manufactured firearm, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and ammunition manufacturing equipment.
Addressing the media following the arrests, Detective Superintendent John Watson from the NSW Drug and Firearms Squad said the charges levelled against Mr Gale were extremely serious.
“[The alleged offences] carry [a potential prison term} more than 10 and 14 years. It is not about the terms of imprisonment, it is more about the behaviour we’re seeing” Detective Superintendent Watson said.
“The illicit manufacture [of firearms] is serious, it is something we’re seeing more of.”
Police will also allege hundreds of rounds of ammunition were seized. (Supplied: NSW Police )
Mr Gale applied for bail in his first court appearance today, citing concerns for his safety in custody due to his employment as a criminal defence solicitor, but was denied it.
“During my time as a solicitor I received numerous pointed threats of violence from former clients,” he told Judge Miranda Moody.
“I maintain a large practice, I have numerous clients who will be substantially prejudiced if I’m bail refused.”
Mr Gale also told the court he had a history of mental health issues and would need to access care while in custody.
“I am diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, your honour, quite frankly very severe PTSD,” he said.
“I fear this will be significantly exacerbated.
“On reflection I most certainly need to seek mental health treatment.”
Inquiries into the manufacture of 3D printed firearms commenced in Moree in April this year. (Supplied: NSW Police )
The court heard the 32-year-old had previously been sentenced to an intensive corrections order and was under a firearm prohibition order for offences dating back to 2019.
Judge Miranda Moody said that if Mr Gale were to be convicted, a custodial sentence would be inevitable.
“The nature and number of the weapons located substantially elevates the offending,” Police Prosecutor Sergeant Ashlee Uren said.
“The defendant has again engaged in serious firearm offending, demonstrating prior sanctions have not worked.”
Mr Gale was formally refused bail, and will next face court in early October.
The Aboriginal Legal Service and The Law Society of NSW have been contacted for comment.