Call to victims could hurt accused

A man charged with wounding could have his bail hearing jeopardised because people have been calling the alleged victim and asking him to withdraw the charge.

The situation came to light on Friday when defence attorney John Furniss indicated he wanted to make a bail application for his client, who was in custody. The previous week he had referred to the complainant’s reported “reluctance to proceed.”

This week, Crown Counsel Marilyn Brandt told Justice Seymour Panton that the complainant had been contacted. She said he was willing to go ahead and gave no indication of willingness to withdraw the charge.

“He said he received calls from persons who wanted him to withdraw,” Ms Brandt said.

The judge said those people who make phone calls to try to stop complainants are playing a dangerous game. He said whichever judge heard the bail application would be giving serious consideration to such reports.

He said that in charges of this nature it is not for the complainant to say he doesn’t wish to proceed. [It is the Crown that brings the case.]

“Persons making the calls are not helping the defendant,” he said.

Mr. Furniss asked for his bail application to be adjourned.