A Northern Territory police officer accused of supplying cocaine to a colleague and stealing a police-issued gun has been granted bail.
Daniel Keelan was charged with supply and possession of dangerous drugs, stealing and firearms offences on Friday night before spending the weekend in custody.
The 43-year-old faced the Darwin Local Court for the first time on Monday.
He was supported by friends and family, including members of the Palmerston Raiders Rugby Club, where he coaches the A Grade team.
Mr Keelan's lawyer, Peter Maley, told the court his client was likely to enter a plea of guilty.
"It is a strong Crown case," he said.
"It's ultimately likely to result in some sort of negotiated plea of guilty."
Judge Greg Cavanagh said the prosecution had a "strong case" against Mr Keelan, aggravated by the fact he was a serving police offer "supposed to uphold the law".
"You'd think there's almost an inevitable jail sentence to be served," Judge Cavanagh said.
Accused to get regular drug tests
Prosecutors opposed bail due to the seriousness of the charges.
But Mr Maley argued any potential jail sentence would likely be shorter than the time Mr Keelan would serve if he was denied bail.
"It's not going to get a plea of guilty until early next year in the Supreme Court at best — probably February or March," Mr Maley said.
"That, in my submission, would be well beyond anything you'd expect to serve."
Mr Keelan was released with a $5,000 bond and a string of bail conditions, including that he undergo drug testing.
The Northern Territory is the only jurisdiction in Australia where local police officers are not required to submit to regular drug testing.
The court heard Mr Keelan had no prior convictions and held "strong ties" to the local community, including a wife and three children.
The 28-year-old female officer Mr Keelan is accused of supplying cocaine to will face court in October.
Mr Keelan's matter will next be heard in November.
He has been suspended from the police force without pay.
