Richard Evan Hillyer, aged 62 and the brother of New South Wales Police Minister Yasmin Catley, has appeared in Newcastle Local Court facing five drug-related charges. During the brief session, his defence lawyer, Samuel Oakley, indicated that Hillyer would enter a guilty plea for possessing cannabis and a separate count of methylamphetamine, but he denies supplying the substance and contests three additional charges.
Hillyer is accused of possessing 7.55 grams of methylamphetamine and carrying $600, believed to be derived from criminal activities. He disputes the quantity of the drug reportedly found by law enforcement. His arrest occurred on February 28, following a traffic stop in Jesmond, Newcastle, where police executed a search of his vehicle and discovered the alleged drugs and cash.
The case has been adjourned until May 1 for further proceedings, with Magistrate Caleb Franklin allowing Hillyer’s bail to continue. Magistrate Franklin also mandated that the prosecution share the evidence against Hillyer by April 8.
After the court session, Hillyer chose not to comment. His sister, Ms Catley, was informed of the charges the day after his arrest by NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb. When Ms Catley was appointed as the first female NSW Police Minister after the 2023 state election, she had previously disclosed her brother’s struggles with drugs to the police commissioner.