One day before his wedding at Pier One on Sydney Harbour, 28-year-old Reece Iaria was denied pretrial release after a magistrate refused his bail application. Iaria faces 15 charges tied to Strike Force Torino's drug supply and money-laundering investigation; police reportedly seized cocaine, lidocaine and a gel-style pistol. His parents offered a $2.5 million surety to secure his temporary release, but the court rejected it. Iaria is expected to remain in custody until at least April while his legal team pursues an appeal.
Groom Denied Bail Day Before Wedding; Bride Leaves Courthouse in Tears
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A judge refused to release 28-year-old Reece Iaria from pretrial custody on Friday, Feb. 6 — a decision that came just one day before his planned wedding at the upscale Pier One venue on Sydney Harbour.
Footage from Penrith courthouse showed Iaria's unnamed bride-to-be leaving the building in tears after the magistrate rejected the bail application, according to reporting by 9News and People.
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Charges, Seizures and Investigation
Iaria faces 15 charges connected to a large-scale drug supply probe led by Strike Force Torino, the police task force set up to investigate alleged drug distribution and related money-laundering activity. As part of the operation, officers reportedly seized 4 grams of cocaine and 2 kilograms of lidocaine, the latter sometimes used in cocaine production. A Glock-style gel-plastic pistol was also found hidden inside a golf bag, the outlets reported.
Legal Response and Bail Offer
Iaria's lawyer, Ahmed Dib, said his client will contest the charges. "Absolutely, he will definitely be defended. It appears to be a really weak prosecution case," Dib told reporters. He added the defence planned to pursue an appeal after the bail refusal.
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According to reports, Iaria's parents offered a $2.5 million surety in an effort to secure his temporary release so he could attend the pre-planned wedding; the court declined the proposal. Dib described the offer as "a substantial surety" and expressed disappointment at the ruling.
What Happens Next
With the judge's decision, Iaria is expected to remain in pretrial detention until at least April. It is not yet known whether the couple will postpone the ceremony or move the date.
Related Details
Iaria's arrest followed the execution of a search warrant at a Penrith property linked to National Rugby League player Nathan Cleary, who police believed to have known Iaria. That investment property was reportedly purchased by Cleary in 2018 for $1.05 million. Authorities have said there is no evidence Cleary was involved in or had knowledge of the alleged offending.
Sources: 9News, People
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