MAGISTRATE Michael Allen has slammed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) over delays in a matter which has been before the court for over five months.
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Charges against Bradley Cook were mentioned briefly before Bathurst Local Court on Monday, when the DPP asked for a further adjournment.
Cook was charged last year in relation to an alleged aggravated break and enter and wounding a person with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Mr McGrath, from the DPP, told the court negotiations in the matter were still underway, and Mr Allen let loose.
“Not to be a broken record, but what has happened over the last four months?” he asked.
“What do the people of NSW pay their taxes for ... the DPP to continually adjourn matters. What is going on?”
Mr Allen noted the matter had been before the court in November, December, January and February for negotiations.
“And now it’s back before the court in March. How long does it take?” he asked.
“Do people come in here overwhelmed with nerve gas and become too nervous to make a decision?”
Mr Allen said the court was on the cusp of entering a new program on April 30 which had very strict time constrictions for police, briefs, solicitors, crown charges and negotiations.
“And I don’t think the DPP is up to it,” he said.
“I”ve been sitting on the bench for 10 years, and it seems when it comes to DPP matters, the DPP are just kicking a tin further and further down the road.
“No one is prepared to make serious, tough decisions. Our community deserves better.”
Mr McGrath said everyone “was working at full capacity to resolve the matter”, but was unable to comment on the precise nature of negotiations.
Mr Allen adjourned the matter until April 23, saying if the issue is not resolved, the matter will proceed as a committal for trial.