Court asked to delay Annie Smith manslaughter case for third time as ‘matters are at play behind the scenes’

A court has been told “matters are at play behind the scenes” in the Annie Smith manslaughter case – but a magistrate is sorely unimpressed.

The case against Ann Marie Smith’s alleged killer has been delayed yet again because “matters are at play behind the scenes” – drawing the ire of a senior magistrate.

Rosa Maria Maione was scheduled to face the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday to answer allegations that she left Ms Smith to die in squalid conditions.

However, she did not appear in court in person, nor by video link.

Instead her lawyer, Alex Rice, asked the court to excuse his client’s non-attendance and postpone her arraignment for one more week.

“Matters are at play behind the scenes, and I’m not going to go into it,” he said.

That submission sat poorly with Magistrate David McLeod.

“This court is all about being in front of the scenes and making the process of justice transparent,” he said.

“Back in April, the court was told negotiations were on foot … back in June, it was told negotiations were on foot, and now here we are in July.

“I make it clear that this matter needs to move along.”

Annie Smith at a 21st celebration of a family member, when she would have been in her late 20s. Picture: supplied by family

Maione, 69, was arrested following a painstaking investigation by a 17-strong Major Crime task force, dubbed “Giles”.

Ms Smith, 54, died in Royal Adelaide Hospital the day after Maione called an ambulance to her Kensington Park home.

It is alleged Maione left Ms Smith living in a putrid, almost sedentary state – and without nourishing food – for most of a year.

Previously, the court has heard police were searching for $35,000 worth of custom jewellery and a large cash inheritance left to Ms Smith.

They were also investigating who took out $70,000 worth of loans in her name.

In May, Maione’s former employer – Integrity Care SA – blocked the ongoing investigation by claiming legal professional privilege over all material seized from its offices.

On Monday its director, Amy June Collins, was banned for life from working in the disability services industry.

Rosa Maria Maione outside court. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe.

On Thursday, Mr Rice said he could not explain why Maione’s case needed to be adjourned for a third time.

He declined to concede Maione had a case to answer – and should stand trial – but also said he did not intend to file a challenge to the prosecution’s evidence.

“We are seeking a further, short remand of a week or so … this is a complex matter that has received significant publicity,” he said.

“There are matters at play, discussions between senior counsel and the prosecution.

“The ordinary course (of court processes) should be dispensed with to allow those matters to be completed.”

Prosecutors said they did not oppose a seven-day delay, confirming they had “been in contact” with Maione’s legal team.

Mr McLeod agreed to the adjournment, but warned all involved it would be the last one granted.

“If the matter remains unresolved next week, I will read (the evidence) and make my own determination about the case,” he said.