Vic: Defence requests delay in terror trial

AAP General News (Australia)
04-20-2007
Vic: Defence requests delay in terror trial

MELBOURNE, April 20 AAP - A judge has criticised lawyers for a Melbourne man facing
terrorism-related charges after they asked for the trial to be delayed for a month.

Joseph Terrence Thomas was due to stand trial in the Victorian Supreme Court this month.

The 33-year-old has pleaded not guilty to intentionally receiving funds from a terrorist
organisation and possessing a falsified Australian passport.

Thomas had to find a new legal team after his solicitor Rob Stary last week withdrew
from the case because he may be called as a witness in the trial.

Thomas' barrister Kristine Hanscombe SC today applied for a four-week adjournment to
give Thomas' newly-appointed solicitor time to prepare for the trial.

Justice Bill Gillard said it was in the interest of Thomas and the administration of
justice for the trial to proceed as soon as possible.

"I have been in the law for well over 40 years," he said.

"I cannot believe what's happening in this case."

He said the defence team should have better foreseen the latest events.

"The trial is ready to proceed and these lawyers are running around in circles," he said.

Justice Gillard adjourned the matter until next Friday.

AAP mok/dk/srp/mn

KEYWORD: THOMAS NIGHTLEAD

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