John Hulme: Malua Bay man charged with recklessly dealing with $500,000 proceeds of crime

The “serious” case of a south coast man accused of dealing with half-a-million dollars of alleged illegal money has now been pushed back. Here’s what’s happening.

John Hulme leaving Batemans Bay Local Court earlier this year.

The case of a south coast man accused of dealing with half-a-million dollars of alleged illegal money has been delayed by the courts as they discuss who will deal with the “serious” case.

John Hulme, 60, faced Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday charged with one count of recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime (greater than $5000) – $500,000.

The Malua Bay man has not entered pleas, but it was indicated during a previous appearance in March he would likely enter a plea of not guilty and fight allegations.

John Hulme outside Batemans Bay Local Court.

Documents tendered to the court allege Hulme dealt with monetary proceeds of crime between February 23 and November 17, 2022.

NSW Police allege the half-a-million dollars was the monetary reward of criminal activities.

However, the court has not heard more about the alleged crime resulting in the funds.

Additionally, police allege Hulme was “reckless” in his dealings with the $500,000.

Batemans Bay Courthouse.

In court, a Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) representative said its prosecutors were withdrawing from the case after it was referred to them in March.

Hulme’s lawyer Samantha Henry said discussions were ongoing about whether the case was a police or DPP matter, despite the withdrawal.

Magistrate Michael Love pushed the case back to September 16 to allow discussions to take place.

Hulme was excused from appearing in person at next appearance due to legal representation.

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