CRIMINAL charges against three co-accused dating back almost two years would not be given any further adjournments, magistrate Michael Allen told Bathurst Local Court on Monday.
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Mr Allen questioned how long the matter could go on before charges against David John Peters, 24, Kylie Jane Gray, 53, and Renee Chantell Borg, 34, were brought to a conclusion.
Borg is facing charges in relation to the alleged supply a prohibited drug dating back to August 2015.
Peters is also charged with a string of drug supply charges including supplying a commercial quantity and Gray is also facing drug supply charges.
Shane Cunningham, acting for Borg as agent for another lawyer, asked for another adjournment, as per his instructions, when Mr Allen let loose.
Clearly angry, Mr Allen said the matters had already been before him at least 16 times.
“There have been prior mentions and I’m told today there will be a contested paper committal?” he asked.
Mr Allen said he spoke on behalf of the community when he asked how long should this be allowed to go on.
“People are either guilty or nor guilty,” he said, adding continued adjournments undermined the community’s confidence in the judicial process.
“Frankly, Mr Cunningham, I’m at my wits’ end with these matters.
“I’ve written no further adjournments, and it’s now to be a contested committal hearing. It’s been before the court more than 16 times and the charges date back 18 months.”
Mr Allen also asked what could be left to negotiate after 18 months.
Mr Allen, who had a list of around 120 matters on Monday, said such were the demands on the court that lawyers carry responsibility in the administration of justice.
“To say I am angry is an understatement,” he said.
Mr Allen adjourned the matters until August 21 and said if not ready they would be listed for committal.
The DPP said it would seek a paper committal in an attempt to progress the matter.