A former reality show participant who allegedly supplied drugs to an undercover agent has been released on bail as authorities try to build their case against her.
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Marjorie Griffiths appeared on The Bachelors in January but on Thursday appeared in the NSW Supreme Court to ask for release on bail, facing a lengthy delay to fight a case against her that a judge said has some "shakiness".
The 26-year-old was charged during an early morning raid on a Umina Beach property on the NSW Central Coast after allegedly supplying a kilogram of cocaine to an undercover cop in March.
Griffiths allegedly supplied another kilogram of MDMA in June and is also charged with four counts of knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
She also allegedly failed to comply with a digital evidence access order when she was arrested in October.
Crown prosecutor Jade Pearson opposed bail and argued the case has some complexity as a concerned Griffiths watched on from custody, appearing on-screen in court wearing prison greens and occasionally wiping her eyes.
The wide-ranging investigation involves several agencies, ranging from the NSW Police to the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, and there are a number of co-accused.
The undercover operative Griffiths allegedly supplied cocaine is yet to sign a statement alleging that, and telecommunications data was lacking due to Griffiths' alleged refusal to provide access to her phones.
The investigation is continuing, Ms Pearson told the court.
Justice Julia Lonergan said she had to deal with the case as it came before her court.
"The crown case might look strong but when you analyse it a little further there's some shakiness about it," she said.
Griffiths' lawyer James Lang agreed.
"It's difficult to assess the strength of a case when the case is put simply that the offences occurred," he told the court.
Ms Pearson accepted presently the crown case is "not the strongest," but said there may be further evidence.
Justice Lonergan said it appeared inevitable there would be extensive further delays before the allegations against Griffiths could be challenged in court and granted her release on strict conditions, including electronic monitoring, despite the judge's own reservations about its usefulness.
She is also barred from contacting co-accuseds and must abide by a curfew.
Ms Pearson expressed a preference for the monitoring regime given no surety was being offered.
Griffiths' case returns to the local court later this month.
Australian Associated Press
