Bail granted under exceptional circumstances for Albany mother charged after drug raid on Yakamia property

An Albany mother charged with selling or supplying methylamphetamine after she was caught up in an extensive police drug operation last week has been granted bail. Kalisha May Nettleton, 20, appeared in custody in Albany Magistrates Court on Friday charged with possession of methylamphetamine with intent to sell or supply and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was not required to plea. Ms Nettleton was arrested on Thursday at a home in Yakamia, which was one of five raided by Albany police with support from the Australian Border Force and WA police canine unit, resulting in seven people being charged. The 20-year-old spoke only to confirm she understood the charges read to her from Magistrate Stephen Butcher, who was on video link from Bunbury, before her defence counsel applied for bail. Police prosecutor Sgt Matt Hartfield opposed bail on the basis that Ms Nettleton was already on bail for other serious charges and the behaviour of others living at her current address — the property in Yakamia — put her at “risk” of reoffending. Sgt Hartfield said police would ask for several conditions, including a curfew, if bail was granted. The court was told that Ms Nettleton does not have an alternative address. The prosecution said Ms Nettleton was found in possession of 0.75g of methylamphetamine during the execution of the search warrant, but she was charged with selling and supplying after she made admissions to police. Appearing on behalf of Ms Nettleton, Legal Aid lawyer Lucy Bourne said her client was a young person in a poor mental state, having lost custody of her son and lost her partner to suicide, and was dealing with drug addiction. Ms Bourne said Ms Nettleton’s grief and drug use left her with significant treatment needs but she was motivated to get clean again and have her son returned to her care. Magistrate Butcher said the case met the threshold of exceptional reasons given the substance abuse and grief issues and the fact the weight of drugs found was towards the lesser end. He granted Ms Nettleton bail with a $1000 personal undertaking and $1000 surety. Ms Nettleton must also report to Albany police station twice a week, and comply with urine analysis testing as directed by community corrections. Magistrate Butcher did not apply a curfew as he did not want Ms Nettleton tied to the Yakamia address. Ms Nettleton had her matters adjourned to May 30, joining up with her other current charges. Lifeline: 13 11 14