Man walks free after mix-up leads to witness no-show

A man accused of harassing conduct walked free from court yesterday after an administrative mix-up meant witnesses had not been notified to attend his trial.

The defendant turned up in court together with his lawyer, Patrick Canessa, only to find the Crown’s seven witnesses were not present.

Prosecutor James Lennane told the bench of Lay Magistrates that the witnesses had not been called due to administrative error. It was not made clear where in the process the error had arisen.

Mr Lennane applied for an adjournment so that the witnesses could be notified and the trial heard on another date.

But Mr Canessa contested this and urged the Lay Magistrates’ to hear the case.

The magistrates rejected the application for an adjournment and the Crown offered no evidence and the case was dismissed.

The defendant walked free from court.