‘This is not right’: Man charged with assaulting officer objects to court move

The man accused of assault against a Lismore law officer gave a passionate outburst when he was told the case could be moved to a new court.

Larry Pucci stands regarding charges related to an alleged event involving a Lismore Courthouse sheriff. Photo Cathy Adams / The Northern Star

A man charged with assaulting a Lismore law officer has sought to have his case dealt with sooner.

Larry Pucci appeared in Lismore District Court on Monday, August 2.

He is charged with assaulting a law officer and assaulting a law enforcement officer, inflicting actual bodily harm.

He is yet to enter any formal pleas.

The charges relates to an alleged event involving a Lismore courthouse sheriff.

During his Monday appearance, the court heard Mr Pucci was still finalising representation and he appeared alone.

Due to the nature of the charges, the DPP prosecutor indicated she wished to move the case to a different courthouse.

Judge Jeffery McLennan suggested Sydney may be the next available location as courts further afield may be problematic.

“Coffs Harbour or Newcastle may employ sheriffs known to the complainant,” Judge McLennan explained to Mr Pucci.

However, the suggestion was shut down by Mr Pucci who voiced concerns of a “backlogged” justice system.

“No, I don’t agree with that, the Sydney courts are shut off because of coronavirus,” he said.
“I’ll be going for years and years and years.

“I don’t want bail … I want to move on with my life.

“I want to go to trial as soon as possible.

“This is not right.”

He asked the case be adjourned to allow him to discuss the possible move with his lawyer and told the court he also wanted to “walk through the (alleged) crime scene” at a later stage.

Judge McLennan adjourned the matter for two weeks.

Mr Pucci will front Lismore District Court again on August 16 for arraignment.