The alleged mastermind of a Canberra jail drug ring has asked a court to grant him bail so he can attend rehabilitation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But prosecutors fear Thor Kristiansen will reoffend if released to participate in a one-year residential rehabilitation program.
He has pleaded not guilty and has been committed to stand trial in the ACT Supreme Court on charges of drug trafficking, conspiracy, drug possession, participating in a criminal group, having a phone in jail, and money laundering.
His coaccused – Ryan Malec, 26, Bianca Rasic, 24, Anthony John Hagen, 55, and Menka Krsteska, 23 – have also entered not guilty pleas and have been committed for trial.
Court documents said the alleged jail drug ring had links to a web of convicted criminals, gang members and a Sydney-based Chinese drug cook.
Police allege Kristiansen and Hagen – who were behind bars at the time – were supplied with contraband by a network of smugglers and couriers.
Police surveillance and a series of raids helped smash the alleged network last year, with almost $85,000 cash and about 830 grams of drugs seized.
Court documents said intercepted calls captured Kristiansen arrange the supply of ice from the Sydney drug cook, and direct the collection and delivery of drugs, money and other contraband.
Kristiansen was granted parole on Tuesday for his current sentence for repeatedly driving while disqualified.
But he remains in Canberra jail on remand for the drug charges.
His lawyer, Daryl Perkins, told the court on Friday his client wished to spend the time between now and his trial "doing something beneficial".
Kristiansen told the court he hoped the intensive rehabilitation program would provide him with the skills to avoid drug use and crime in the future.
He said he had spent too much time behind bars and his motivation to change had been to be there in the future for his family.
"I want every little bit of skill I can get," he said.
"Everything I've done in the past – I'm regretting it."
Kristiansen confirmed rehabilitation would be, in some ways, more restrictive than jail, with reduced contact visits and phone calls with family.
But he said he could cope with the short-term separation if it meant he would spend more time with them in the long term.
Prosecutor Joel Hiscox opposed the bail application, arguing Kristiansen could reoffend and posed a flight risk if released.
Justice Richard Refshauge observed that the drug charges had allegedly been committed in custody, so keeping Kristiansen in jail would not necessarily prevent further offending.
But Mr Hiscox argued Kristiansen had a long and varied criminal history – that included convictions for driving, dishonesty and violence – which he could extend if released.
The prosecutor also raised concerns Kristiansen could leave the rehabilitation facility and disappear into the community.
Justice Refshauge reserved his decision until Monday afternoon.
