Marty Bella assault: Accused Samuel Anthony Camilleri’s case delayed

The case against former NRL star Marty Bella’s alleged attacker has been delayed after maternity leave and Covid-19 interfered with a report involving ‘paint chips’. Read why.

The man accused of attacking NRL legend Marty Bella has had his case delayed as logistic complications plague forensic reports.

Samuel Anthony Camilleri was accused of running down the former prop star on July 15 in Koumala after an alleged verbal altercation took place between the two.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard there would be a delay in Mr Camilleri’s case as the forensic officer who had been preparing the report on the vehicle involved was isolating because of Covid-19.

It is alleged an assault occurred when Mr Bella, a councillor with Mackay Regional Council, came across Mr Camilleri on a newly-bought property, 60km south of Mackay.

Police will allege Mr Camilleri deliberately drove his ute at the former star prop, who was on a quad bike before spraying a substance in Mr Bella’s eyes.

Mr Camilleri pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving and assault occasioning actual bodily harm with an impending hearing expected to take a full day.

Mackay councillor and former NRL prop star Marty Bella.

On February 1, Mackay Magistrates Court heard there would be a delay in the case as the forensic officer who had been preparing the report on the vehicle involved was isolating because of Covid-19.

Acting sergeant Oldfield told the court the officer had been waiting for his forensic report to be peer reviewed, but the only person capable of doing so was on maternity leave.

Acting sergeant Oldfield said the report was expected to analyse the “paint chips” from the car allegedly involved.

Defence lawyer Sean Gibbs agreed to have the matter adjourned for three weeks.

The matter is next expected to be heard on February 22.