An alleged Hells Angels bikie and his hairdresser partner have appeared in court for the first time where she admitted to buying steroids for bodybuilding competitions.
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Nick Nikolovski, 41, and his girlfriend of eight-years Ashleigh Volgyesi were arrested on August 10 after Raptor Squad officers raided their Flinders home seizing ammunition, prohibited weapons, prescription medication, electronic devices and other items.
Police allege Nikolovski is a fully-patched Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang member and was taken into custody at his West Dapto workplace PrixCar Services before being charged with possessing ammunition without holding a licence or permit and possessing a prescribed restricted substance.
His 27-year-old girlfriend was charged with possessing ammunition without holding licence or permit, two counts of possessing prohibited weapons without permit, and four counts of possessing prescribed restricted substances.
They were both granted police bail and appeared for the first time in Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday.
Nikolovski pleaded not guilty to his charges however Volgyesi accepted her guilt and with her lawyer Michael Sinadinovic saying she "apologises profusely".
The court heard Volgyesi was working at Australian Amalgamated Terminals in Port Kembla while she was unable to work as a hairdresser in the Illawarra due to the pandemic.
Mr Sinadinovic said Volgyesi started taking the steroids, Stanazol, to build her physique in preparation for the Arnold Classic competition that was scheduled to take place in March but was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Mr Sinadinovic said it was a common practice for entrants to take steroids otherwise they would not be competitive.
"She knew they were illegal but she chose to buy the steroids and take them," he said.
He said his client stopped using the drugs after the cancelled competition as she gave up being a bodybuilder because she wanted to focus on having a baby with Nikolovski.
Mr Sinadinovic explained the metal expandable baton, which was found in the garage, was given to Volgyesi by a friend to use when running or walking for protection as she was very scared of dogs.
Plastic knuckle dusters were also found at the home after she bought them at a market.
"She knew metal knuckle dusters were illegal but had no idea plastic knuckle dusters were," Mr Sinadinovic said.
Police also seized a 303 bullet, commonly used in World War I and II, when it was found in a sunglasses case in the couple's bedroom.
Mr Sinadinovic explained the bullet was a keepsake from Volgyesi's veteran grandfather, who gave it to her when she was younger as she was a cadet.
Volgyesi made full admissions to police during theraid and during a police interview, however when officers asked whether Nikolovski had any knowledge of the items she said "no comment".
Magistrate Claire Girotto did not record a conviction for the bullet or knuckle dusters as they were "nefarious" however fined Volgyesi $250 for having the baton and $100 each for the four drugs offences.
She said the baton was "problematic" and there were other ways Volgyesi could have protected herself such as using a stick.
Nikolovski's case was adjourned 16 October.
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