KNIGHTS forward Jack Stockwell and his girlfriend, former NRL cheerleader-of-the-year Tayla Doran, have woken to find a man, allegedly in possession of a revolver and 12 grams of ice, asleep with his head against their front door.
Ms Doran made the shock discovery about 4.30am on Monday morning as she was leaving for work.
The former Knights cheerleader fetched Stockwell, who had just been released from hospital after suffering a blood clot in his leg during a frightening episode at Knights training last week.
The police were called and arrived to find Steven John Quinnell, 25, of Singleton, still asleep “in the foetal position” at the couple’s front door in Hamilton.
Police said underneath Mr Quinnell’s leg was a grey toiletries bag allegedly containing a revolver, six gold bullets, 11.97 grams of a ice, a silver spoon, digital scales and prescription drugs.
After being woken up, Mr Quinnell allegedly began acting “anxious” and repeatedly tried to walk away from police.
He was arrested and charged with supplying a prohibited drug, possession of a restricted substance, possession of an unauthorised pistol, possession of ammunition and entering inclosed lands.
He appeared in Newcastle Local Court on Monday where he pleaded not guilty to all offences and made an application for bail.
The court heard Mr Quinnell should be granted bail because he required medical treatment for a spinal injury he suffered after falling off his bicycle and hitting his head two months ago.
But magistrate Robert Stone noted Mr Quinnell was on a good behaviour bond for a similar offence committed in 2013 and had been convicted for possessing knuckledusters in Singleton Local Court last week.
“Mr Quinnell was located with a bag that contained a revolver handgun,” Magistrate Stone said
“It is a very serious offence and one in which, if Mr Quinnell is found guilty, in view of his criminal antecedents, he would be likely to receive a custodial sentence.
“I have been provided with the reason that he has medical issues and requires pain medication as well as ongoing care.
“With the allegation of a firearm, of course that is a significant concern for the protection of the community.
“On that basis, even though Mr Quinnell is pleading not guilty, they are matters that are very serious and in view of his antecedent history, in which he has previous matters involving the use of a firearm, I am not prepared to release him.”
Magistrate Stone adjourned the matter until January next year.
