Tamworth man's bid for rehabilitation bail denied

Brandon Waters, a 30-year-old man from Tamworth, has had a bail application rejected by a judge. Waters sought release to attend a residential rehabilitation facility to address long-standing drug issues.

Waters recently admitted to several charges, including negligent driving, possessing a loaded firearm in a public place, driving with a cancelled license, riding without an approved helmet, using an unregistered vehicle, and failing to stop when directed. He is also awaiting sentencing in November for related charges involving an unregistered gun, unlicensed ammunition, and possession of a knife in a public place.

His solicitor, Courtney Edstein of the Aboriginal Legal Service, argued that the rehabilitation bed offered a critical opportunity to address the underlying factors contributing to his criminal history. While acknowledging that a custodial sentence is likely, the defense emphasized the potential for positive change through the program.