Forensic 'backlog' delays drugs case

[grace]

Forensic 'backlog' delays drugs case

ANDREW DOWDELL, COURT REPORTER

October 10, 2008 02:40pm

Adelaide Now

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0...11-2682,00.html

 

A MAJOR South Australian drug case has been adjourned for more than five months because of the continuing backlog at the state's Forensic Science Centre.

 

Prosecutors were to have handed over police statements and drugs analysis data today in Adelaide Magistrates Court, over what police described as the state's biggest cannabis haul in six years.

 

Beau Trent Hunt, 29, Craig Arthur Stevens, 28, Stephen Lee Yeates, 33, and Shelley Abbott, 32, were all arrested and charged in July.

 

Police allegedly found 45 kilograms of packed cannabis when they stopped a Toyota Hilux on the freeway near Murray Bridge.

 

It is alleged the cannabis, valued at more than $750,000, was being taken to New South Wales to be sold.

 

The court was told that analysis of the seized drugs was yet to be done by staff at the Forensic Science Centre because of a "huge backlog.''

 

Prosecutor David Plater said the backlog meant there was no chance of the case running to schedules set down by the law.

 

"Today's declarations date was set based on wishful thinking rather than reality,'' Mr Plater said.

"The backlog in the Forensic Science Centre for cases where the defendant is not in custody means results will not be available until the end of February next year.''

 

The court has previously heard of delays of up to a year for DNA analysis in separate cases, including the Glenys Heyward murder.

 

"I know it seems a bit ridiculous quite frankly, but is 31st of March next year suitable?'' Mr Plater asked.

 

Magistrate Bill Ackland had to send for a 2009 calendar to find a date, noting a "shared look of resignation'' with the defence lawyers and prosecutor.

 

He eventually set the date of March 17 next year for the trio to answer the charges.

 

"There is no point having everyone come just to contemplate incompleteness again,'' Mr Ackland said.

 

Hunt, Stevens and Abbott will all be required to attend court to answer the charge in March.