Baden-Clay murder trial expected to take four weeks
A MURDER trial to determine Gerard Baden-Clay's involvement in his wife's death is expected to take four weeks.
Mackay
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THE family of Allison Baden-Clay say they are relieved formal charges of murder have been laid in the Brisbane Supreme Court.
"It represents another step forward in a long and difficult process," the family said through a statement issued on Friday afternoon.
"We are extremely grateful for the tireless efforts of the police and investigative teams in working to pursue justice for Allison.
"Not a day goes by when we do not grieve for the tragic loss of our beloved Allison and we continue to be incredibly grateful for the support of the community, our extended family and friends in helping us navigate through this extremely difficult time in our lives."
Crown prosecutor Danny Boyle submitted an indictment formally charging Gerard Baden-Clay with murder during a brief mention on Friday morning.
The former real estate agent is accused of killing his wife, Allison, at their Brookfield home in April last year and then dumping her body at Kholo Creek, near Ipswich.
A charge of interfering with a corpse, which had been listed in the magistrates court, was not mentioned.
Mr Boyle said Michael Byrne QC had been briefed to run the trial once it was listed but there would be a three-day pre-trial hearing first.He said there was an issue relating to confidentially of a counsellor and whether there were evidence restrictions related to the Family Law Act.
Defence lawyer Peter Shields told the court he expected the trial to take four weeks.
But he said there had been "significant culling" of witnesses and he expected that to continue, potentially shortening proceedings.
Justice Glenn Martin directed both sides to draft a pre-trial application ahead of the matter being reviewed again on September 20.
Mr Baden-Clay reported the mother of three, a former Ipswich woman, missing and has maintained his innocence since his arrest in June last year.
A canoeist found her body 10 days after he made the missing person report.
At his committal hearing in March, Mr Baden-Clay formally entered a not guilty plea to murder.
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