The twist saw the Supreme Court murder trial abruptly adjourned yesterday morning after Justice Peter Hamill said there had been “a development”.

That development was the arrest of Rachel Hadley, 27, following an alleged incident outside Bathurst Court House on Monday afternoon.

Hadley was charged with acting with intent to influence a witness and appeared before Local Court magistrate Michael Allen.

Hadley, who appeared teary at times during the proceedings, was released on strict bail conditions including that she reside at an address in Sydney, that she not approach the alleged victim or any other Crown witness in the murder trial, and that she not attend the Supreme Court proceedings in Bathurst or any other location.

Legal Aid solicitor Peter Ringbauer said Hadley would happily abide by any conditions imposed by the court.

He also said she had no reason to contact the victim or the murder accused, 27-year-old Tony Simmons.

Mr Allen noted the seriousness of the allegations which he said struck at the heart of the integrity of the criminal justice system, which relies on witnesses being able to give evidence free of influence.

In granting bail, Mr Allen noted Hadley had no criminal antecedents and strong community ties.

When the Supreme Court murder trial resumed at 2pm, defence barrister Phil Young SC told the court of the alleged incident on Monday afternoon.

Mr Young said it occurred after court adjourned, when a witness from Monday’s proceedings was leaving the court.

He said the incident had led to criminal charges against Hadley and police had taken statements from both women.

Mr Young said he and the Crown had held discussions on how to best carry the murder trial forward and minimise any long-term disruptions and made an application for yesterday’s witnesses to be excused from evidence yesterday, but not from their subpoena.

He said he was unsure if the witness who was allegedly threatened would resume her evidence tomorrow, but said in the case she is not ready there was a body of other available evidence which could proceed.

The court also heard inquiries were being made about the possibility of extending the current sitting in Bathurst through to next week.

The trial will continue today with a viewing at various locations including the Sofala tip, Wallaby Rock at Sofala, the Upper Turon Road, Sofala and Monaghan’s Bluff.