- A Melbourne man has appeared in court for alleged steroid use
- Nathan Williamson is a world champion bodybuilder.
- He has pleaded not guilty
A Melbourne man is set to fight in one of Australia’s biggest steroid trafficking cases.
Nathan Williamson appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to all charges relating to alleged trafficking in testosterone, participating in criminal proceedings and possession of a habit-forming drug.
“You are so lucky to have your mother’s support,” Magistrate Judge Donna Bakos told Williamson in court.
“A lot,” he replied. The court was told that Williamson’s mother had provided a guarantee of $150,000.
After pleading not guilty, Mr Williamson was again placed under the same strict bail conditions he had and is expected to return to court in August for a directions hearing.
Police allegedly seized millions of dollars worth of steroids and drugs and more than $300,000 in cash at the addresses of Williamson and another man, as well as a gym in Port Melbourne and a property in Flemington in the CBD in December.
Daniel Tenace, Williamson’s co-defendant, has not yet entered a plea.
Police allege Williamson and Tenace, who work as personal trainers, bought drugs from overseas suppliers before allegedly reselling them to hundreds of Australian customers at a unit in the Port Melbourne area.
A world bodybuilding champion has appeared in court for alleged illegal steroid trafficking
Melbourne man allegedly possessed millions of dollars worth of steroids
Undercover police purchased steroids during the investigation, police said at the time of the arrests.
“Medications should be supplied by accredited doctors and pharmacists, not personal trainers at a gym,” said Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson.
At an earlier hearing, the court was told that neither of the men had any previous criminal records.
Mr Tenace is out on bail and appeared in court via video link on Wednesday.
A lawyer for the firm representing Mr. Tenace said the firm needed more time to process the submitted paperwork and requested an additional four to six weeks.
Ms Bakos was not satisfied with this and the magistrate gave Mr Tenace’s lawyers two weeks to submit their summary of evidence.