The Snitch: Judge Whitford off criminal trials after DPP complaint

What’s the latest escalation in the DPP’s war with the District Court? Why are police taping over a problem? And where are crims turning for getaway cars? The Snitch is here.

One of the District Court judges who was the subject of a complaint from the NSW’s chief prosecutor, Sally Dowling SC, has been “removed” from hearing criminal cases – adding to the court’s backlog problem.

The Sydney District Court was told this week that Judge Peter Whitford SC – who earlier this year launched a stinging attack against Ms Dowling’s office for running what he considered “meritless” rape cases – had been benched from presiding over criminal hearings.

The exact reason was not revealed to the court.

But sources said it came after Ms Dowling made an official complaint about Judge Whitford to the NSW Judicial Commission following his public criticisms of her office.

In May, Judge Whitford told Newcastle District Court that Ms Dowling’s complaint used “quite strong language” and called into question “my fitness to hold judicial office, my competence, my impartiality and my integrity”.

NSW Director of Public Prosecutions Sally Dowling SC.

A spokesperson for the District Court declined to comment on the situation when approached.

The cop car held together by evidence tape outside Waverley Police Station.

But the unavoidable result is more delays for an already jam-packed District Court that currently has no dates available for new trials until May next year.

The issue became apparent on Wednesday when Judge Whitford’s unavailability contributed to the case of Richard Thomas Whitfield being delayed.

Mr Whitfield’s barrister, Bret Walker SC, told Judge Troy Anderson SC that “the missive to us from the court” said that Judge Whitford “has been … removed from criminal hearings”.

Ms Dowling made complaints against at least three judges after five of their ranks criticised her office for running meritless rape trials.

EVIDENCE TAPE

This is an inventive way of stretching the public dollar – albeit slightly concerning.

Spotted outside Waverley Police Station on Friday was a police paddy wagon with a broken fuel cap (pictured) cover that could not be properly secured because of a faulty lock.

No worries. Our inventive Eastern Suburbs Police had sealed off the problem using official NSW Police evidence tape. Although it looks like the problem was not a new one, given the multiple layers of tape that had been applied, removed and reapplied every time the truck needed a tank of diesel. Probably time to call a locksmith.

HIRE AND SEEK

On the back of two men being charged after allegedly prowling with guns around the street of Kings Cross boss John Ibrahim, we’re told an emerging trend among criminals is stockpiling stolen hire cars.

Police are investigating if John Ibrahim was the target of two alleged gunmen. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Police outside Mr Ibrahim’s house this week. Picture: Richard Dobson

The two men allegedly used a Cupra Leon that had been stolen from hire car company Europcar.

Without commenting specifically on the case of the two men, one cop told us they have generally seen an emerging trend of criminal operations stealing hire cars and hiding them so they can be used at a later date.

“They will grab a hire car and simply not return it,” the cop said.

“They’ll hide them out in the suburbs for however long and one of them will use it months later.”

Our officer said private rental arrangements for suburban unit block garages were a favourite.

“The person renting the spot isn’t going to ask questions about the car,” the officer said.

“Some of these hire car companies have got so many cars on their books that it’s easy pickings.”

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