Bail revoked, warrant issued, jury discharged: Ivan Peter Thompson allegedly skips trial

A man facing a rape charge emailed his lawyers just minutes before his trial was due to begin to say he was not coming. Find out why his failure to appear cost you money.

Police are searching for the man. Photo: Trevor Veale

A man facing a rape charge in Mackay District court told his lawyers he wasn’t coming not 10 minutes before his trial was to start.

Ivan Peter Thompson had his bail revoked and a warrant issued for his arrest after leaving lawyers, witnesses, and an entire jury panel waiting on Tuesday morning.

Judge John Coker said the defendant’s excuses for allegedly not appearing made him “the author of his own demise and his own difficulties”.

Judge Coker said a medical certificate provided simply indicated the defendant was not medically fit for trial “without providing any additional information”.

Legal Aid Queensland lawyer Adam Mason said his office had sent two emails, two texts, and left three detailed voicemails with Mr Thompson.

“To which there was no response until 9.51 hours today”, Mr Mason said.

“(We) received an email (saying) ‘Will get more detailed medical assessment and get back to you’.

“We haven’t been able to establish communication (and) I have no information as to his present location.”

Judge Coker said the behaviour “falls entirely short in any respect”.

“There panel of jurors is here and as a result of the non-attendance by the defendant, they will all be discharged but they will all be paid,” Judge Coker said.

“That will lead to costs to be paid by the whole of the community.”

Crown prosecutor Jessica Guy said the alleged rape occurred on January 24, 2022, and was reported the next day on January 25.

Mr Thompson has pleaded not guilty to the rape charge.

“Mr Thompson was scheduled to work the 26th, but he didn't attend or contact his supervisor,” Ms Guy told the court.

“Ultimately that led to his termination on January 31.”

The court heard Mr Thompson had also failed to appear at court in 2015 and 2019.

Mr Mason told the court he would withdraw from the case as Mr Thompson was ”no longer eligible for Legal Aid funding”.

Judge Coker said it was a “perfectly understandable and appropriate” reaction.

”(Especially) where people are provided with the very great benefit of appropriate, competent, and experienced legal representation and they fail for reasons unexplained,” he said.

The trial is delayed indefinitely.