WAGGA LOCAL COURT
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WAGGA magistrate Michael Antrum has taken a swipe at doctors who drag their feet in providing medical reports to the courts and delay cases by months.
He made strong comments in Wagga Local Court on Wednesday after hearing a medical report sought six months ago was still not available.
Mr Antrum has threatened to bring the doctor to court if the report is not to hand by December 24.
"I'm tired of some members of the medical profession placing the court well down their priority list," Mr Antrum said.
"I know doctors are busy, but so are the courts."
Mr Antrum made his remarks after being told a report on the injuries of an alleged wounding victim had not been provided to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) despite a number of requests.
The information is expected to form part of the DPP's brief of evidence against a teenager accused of the attack, and could be vital to the case.
The teenager is charged with aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence (wounding), and another offence.
"This young person has been waiting for this matter to do something since the 28th of May," Mr Antrum said.
"It's taking too long.
"Six months is ridiculous."
Mr Antrum said unless a medical report was provided by the doctor soon he would consider issuing a subpoena requiring the medico to come to court and explain why the report was not done.
"There needs to be communication made, or I want the doctor in here," Mr Antrum said.
He granted the DPP an extension until December 24 for the brief of evidence to be provided to the juvenile's lawyer.
The case will return to court in late January.