The Bachelors Australia 2023‘s Marjorie Griffiths has been released on bail after allegedly supplying a high volume of illicit drugs to an undercover police officer.
The 26-year-old appeared in the NSW Supreme Court on December 13 to ask for release on bail as she faces a delay in fighting the case against her.
Marjorie was arrested and charged on October 20 after Raptor Squad officers carried out a home raid as part of a major police operation targeting an international organised crime network.
The raid followed Marjorie allegedly supplying one kilogram of cocaine to an undercover cop in March.
She allegedly supplied an additional kilogram of MDMA in June and is also charged with four counts of knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime, per The Canberra Times.
The Bachelors’ contestant also allegedly failed to comply with a digital access order upon her October arrest.
Crown Prosecutor Jade Pearson initially opposed bail, arguing that the case is complex and that the investigation is ongoing.
Justice Julia Lonergan expressed that 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.
Marjorie’s 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.
Marjorie Griffith’s defence lawyer said there was ‘no evidence’ she was aware of drugs she was transporting
According to her lawyer, there is “no evidence” that Marjorie was aware of what she was transporting when she allegedly followed directions to collect bags and boxes.
Per news.com.au, he similarly claimed that Marjorie didn’t know who she was meeting with or why, on the seven occasions she allegedly supplied drugs and laundered money.
“[The Crown has] surveillance evidence that is consistent with a circumstantial case … that Ms Griffiths has taken packages, either in the form of a box or a bag, that variously contained either a prohibited drug … or cash,” Mr Lang said.
At most, he said the cast depicted Marjorie as a “courier” who was “serving a function of someone who’s of a much higher criminality”.
Extensive delays are expected in Marjorie Griffith’s court case
Crown Prosecutor Pearson accepted that the case is currently “not the strongest”. However, maintained that further evidence may arise.
Meanwhile, Justice Lonergan said it was inevitable there would be extensive delays before the allegations against Marjorie could be challenged in court.
As such, she granted the reality star’s release on strict conditions, including electronic monitoring — despite the Judge’s concerns about its usefulness.
Marjorie is also banned from contacting co-accuseds and must abide by a curfew.
The case will return to court later in December.
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