Paul McGirr successfully obtains bail for accused in alleged $623 million cocaine supply

A Hunter electrician who is one of five charged after a massive $623m cocaine bust on a 13-metre leisure boat off a small mid-north coast town has been granted conditional bail after successful submissions by Paul McGirr.

Cardiff electrician Cooper Hollingworth, 24, applied for bail, igniting a lengthy debate between Mr McGirr and the opposing police prosecutor, who attempted to file a different set of facts, new evidence and play news articles, none of which had been served on the defendant prior.

Hollingworth is one of five men arrested on May 9 after police raided a 13-metre cruiser Sea Ray as it was heading towards the port at South West Rocks. On-board, police will allege they found $623m of cocaine in a number of bales onboard.

Paul McGirr told Coffs Harbour Local Court that while his client was on board the vessel, and police surveillance showed him getting supplies and pulling anchor, the Crown case against his client was “not strong”.

“There’s nothing to suggest he knew what was in those black bales,” Mr McGirr said, also noting the lack of Hollingworth’s DNA on the packages and the fact he was surveilled leaving the harbour with spearfishing equipment.

The court heard that Hollingworth had no criminal record, had regular work and was supported by his fiancee in court, while he appeared from Clarence Correctional Centre.

His Honour Magistrate Linden granted bail with a cash surety of $150,000, noting Hollingworth’s passport had already been seized and was to remain with the police.

The matter returns to court on August 26, 2025.

NSW Police withdraw AVO against Chris Nasser

NSW Police have today elected to withdraw their application for an apprehended violence order taken out by Hollie Nasser against her estranged husband, investor Christopher Nasser.

The interim order was taken out by Ms Nasser last December while she was embroiled in a high-profile society marriage split.

Paul McGirr had vigorously argued with police that the AVO was completely baseless and was being used by Ms Nasser as a “sword instead of a shield” against Mr Nasser who is a non-violent person.

'(Mr Nasser) has never been violent, he's quite the contrary, a reserved and humble person.

'At no stage would he ever strike anyone, particularly a woman and the mother of his children. 

'The whole process of having laundry aired in public, particularly for the children, has caused him great distress.

'His children have always been paramount. He wants to move on with his life and he holds no animosity towards anybody

'There are no winners in this, but it shows unfortunately how some people can allegedly use the system to seek an AVO, which should be used not as a sword but as a shield.

'My client is a gentle, loving father,’ Mr McGirr said.

Chris Nasser Hollie Nasser interim AVO dropped by police | Daily Telegraph

Paul McGirr appears pro-bono for prison escapee Darko "Douggie" Desic

After a groundswell of community support in the Northern Beaches, Paul McGirr has agreed to act pro-bono for Darko Desic.

Mr Desic, affectionately known in his community as “Douggie”, turned himself into police a fortnight ago after escaping Grafton prison in 1992 for fear of being deported to war-torn Yugoslavia.

He had been living and working in and around Sydney’s Northern Beaches, including as a stonemason, until the coronavirus pandemic left him homeless and unable to support himself.

Mr McGirr is now considering an application for mercy to the NSW Governor.

He told Channel 9 on Tuesday:

"He's struggling," Mr McGirr said.

"He's just humbled by the fact that there's people out there that want to see him get out.

"The prison system is designed for rehabilitation, and he's proven over 30 years he hasn't reoffended, so what's the purpose of locking him away again?"

His defence lawyer said Desic has work and accommodation lined up and has trained as a stonemason.

Mr McGirr was also interviewed on Channel 7’s “The Latest” on Monday evening.