WAGGA’s magistrate Erin Kennedy has hit out at criminal case delays blamed on staffing pressures in the local Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
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Ms Kennedy’s frustrations tipped over into a verbal blast in Wagga Local Court on Wednesday when a DPP solicitor said the case of a Tumut man charged with armed robbery was not ready for committal to the District Court because a Crown prosecutor had not been available to give instructions.
In seeking a four-week adjournment, the solicitor said there was also forensic evidence that had just been served by police.
Ms Kennedy responded by saying she knew the Wagga DPP office had been “hard hit” recently by staffing issues.
“But there are plenty of Crowns sitting in Sydney that could be assisting you,” Ms Kennedy told the solicitor.
“There are plenty of people in authority that should be helping.
“That should be passed down the line.”
Ms Kennedy said the delays were not fair to the local DPP office or defendants.
“It’s not good enough,” she said.
“It’s time for the Crowns in Sydney to step up and assist you.
“Absolutely, it’s no criticism of Wagga, but it would be good to see support for Wagga when things get difficult.”
The accused Tumut robber, Nathan Tai Flavell, is alleged to have been armed with a 30cm kitchen knife while robbing a woman of a handbag and other personal property on October 31 last year.
He is currently on bail.
Ms Kennedy adjourned Flavell’s case to March 22 for committal.
Flavell’s solicitor, Selwyn Hausman, said he would make “strong submissions” if the case was not ready for committal on that day.
The Daily Advertiser sought comment on Ms Kennedy’s remarks from the DPP.
The DPP was asked to confirm if there was a shortage of Crown prosecutors or people with authority at Wagga, or explain the situation that is causing difficulty.
It was asked if the situation was being fixed and if there were Crown prosecutors in Sydney that could help Wagga
The DPP responded with a statement that read: “The Office is meeting its commitments and planning continues to ensure all of its offices are adequately staffed through the use of locum resources (the ODPP’s Targeted Assistance Group) and recruitment to positions as vacancies arise.”
