BREAKING: A Tamworth man has been unexpectedly freed from court as major drug supply charges were dropped following urgent negotiations. Joshua Degioannis, 40, appeared at Tamworth Local Court earlier today, where supporters gathered to witness a hearing that was anticipated to last 90 minutes.
Instead, Legal Aid solicitor Wendy McAuliffe announced to Magistrate Julie Soars that “the matter had been resolved,” resulting in no hearing being necessary. Degioannis had originally pleaded not guilty to serious charges involving the supply of prohibited drugs, but in a dramatic turn, he agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge of possessing a prohibited drug.
The court confirmed that charges related to supplying drugs in an indictable and commercial quantity, along with possession of goods suspected of being stolen, were withdrawn. Notably, the amount of drugs in Degioannis’s possession was amended from a staggering 131.8 grams of methylamphetamine to just 2.2 grams.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Kareena Gill verified the amendment, emphasizing the significant reduction in charges. McAuliffe shared that prior to his custody in September 2024, Degioannis struggled with drug addiction but has since maintained sobriety and earned a “position of authority” among fellow inmates.
During sentencing, McAuliffe requested the court consider Degioannis’s time served and his role as a carer for a family member. In response, Magistrate Soars found the amount of drugs to be “small” and opted not to impose any additional penalty.
The charges stemmed from an incident on January 11, 2025, when police discovered Degioannis in possession of methylamphetamine between 2:30 PM and 3:10 PM at Moonbi. Officers also seized $350, suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.
Degioannis’s release marks a significant development, not only for him but also for the community closely following the case. His legal journey included three bail applications during his time in custody, the last being in December 2025, where he proposed a $5,000 surety and a home curfew.
This sudden resolution raises questions about the future for Degioannis, who is now looking towards rebuilding his life. With the charges dropped, many are eager to see how he will navigate his new path.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
