By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
A FORMER private investigator was allegedly caught by police with 52 grams of methamphetamine, an “ice” pipe and more than $2000 cash in Dandenong North last Thursday.
Police allege David Anthony Oldaker, 38, of Cranbourne, was found asleep in his car with the items in Judith Street about 3am.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Chris Capuano told a Dandenong Magistrates’ Court remand hearing later that day that the quantity of ice, and the fact that Oldaker was “mobile and out in the community at a time trafficking would be taking place with unsavoury elements”, suggested he was selling drugs.
Constable Emily Fryters, of Dandenong police, told the court that police who visited Oldaker’s home with a search warrant on Thursday found more than $5000 cash, two zip-bags of tablets and one zip-bag of “crystallised substance”.
She said the self-described ‘‘general handyman” declined to explain the prescence of “expensive” Kinchrome tools, six sets of tapware and basins in his home. She alleged they were possible proceeds of crime.
Oldaker’s defence lawyer, Alex Burt, said her unemployed client indicated he was installing the tapware and basins as part of home renovations.
Arguing for her client’s bail, Ms Burt said Oldaker was caring for his wife – diagnosed with schizophrenia and on a disability support pension – as well as children aged 10, 14 and 17. She said Oldaker had been using drugs for pain relief from serious injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash.
Constable Fryters said a conservative street value of the ice was $10,000.
Magistrate Julie O’Donnell granted bail on condition Oldaker report to Cranbourne police station daily and stay home between 10pm and 6am. He will reappear in Dandenong Court on July 18.
