Wagga could see the reduction of growing court lists and the amount of time accused people spend in custody following the appointment of the District Court’s new full-time judge.
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The prediction comes after Wagga’s first permanent District Court judge was officially welcomed on Monday as part of the state government's $39 million scheme to reduce court delays.
Solicitor David Barron said the appointment was a positive for Wagga, which would undoubtedly reduce delays.
“For one thing, district court will set more often so the delays between the committal for trail and the actual trial will be lessened,” Mr Barron said.
“Judge Gordon Lerve runs a very efficient court.”
At the District Court’s first ceremonial sitting, Judge Gordon Lerve told the court he was looking forward to the challenges ahead, including the centre’s busy workload.
“I’ve resided here on an ad hoc basis on a number of occasions and I’m very much aware of the pressure of the courts business and country people,” judge Lerve said.
Mr Barron told The Daily Advertiser it was crucial to reduce the amount of time the accused spends behind bars.
“If the person is innocent of course the amount of time should be as brief as possible and if they have committed a crime it’s important they get into general population,” Mr Barron said.
“Their are few programs available while on remand, whereas once they are in a facility they can begin participating in programs aimed at lessening the likelihood of re-offending.”