A COMMITTAL hearing for a man charged with five counts of alleged rape and one aggravated sexual assault has been delayed for a further two months.
The accused, Glenn Phillips, was excused from appearing in court on Tuesday, March 25, and was represented by his solicitor.
Despite the gravity of the alleged crimes, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) requested an extension until Tuesday, May 20, due to delays finalising the brief of evidence.
This means the usual six months limit on adjournments will be breached, and Mr Phillips will remain in the community on bail for another two months.
His solicitor approved the extension and presiding Magistrate Jacqueline Trad approved the ODPP’s request as well.
“I will grant the adjournment for the reason of justice,” Ms Trad said.
The reason for the current delay is unknown, however outstanding documents from January were missing in February – leading to the case’s previous adjournment.
Previously Ms Trad has requested the ODPP follow the lost documentation up as it had been a considerable amount of time.
