John Hulme: Malua Bay man’s deal with proceeds of crime matter moves to DPP

A south coast man accused of dealing with half a million dollars in alleged criminal funds has seen his “serious” matter move to its next jurisdiction.

John Hulme leaving Batemans Bay Local Court.

The matter of a south coast man accused of dealing with half a million dollars – allegedly being the proceeds of crime – has seen the “serious” matter move to its next jurisdiction.

John Hulme, 60, saw his charge of recklessly deal with the proceeds of crime, greater than $5000, officially move to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions during Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday, with the DPP representative noting the matter was too serious to remain with police prosecutors.

The Malua Bay man previously pleaded not guilty to the charge.

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

NSW Police allege Hulme was dealing with $500,000, believed to be the monetary reward from criminal activities.

John Hulme previously pleaded not guilty to the charge.

However, the court is yet to reveal where the money is believed to have originated from.

Police also allege Hulme was “reckless” in his dealing with the half-a-million dollars.

In court on Monday, Hulme’s lawyer Samantha Henry said the hearing date could not be set yet, as the brief of evidence was now with the DPP.

Ms Henry asked the court to adjourn the matter by four weeks to give the DPP time to study the brief of evidence before submitting it to the court.

The request was not opposed by Magistrate Doug Dick, who said – given the seriousness of the allegation – the adjournment was needed.

Hulme’s matter will return to Batemans Bay Local Court on July 15.

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