NT police officer Zachary Rolfe returns to court for second day of proceedings in lead-up to trial

NT police officer Zachary Rolfe has appeared in the Supreme Court in Darwin for the second day of legal proceedings in the lead-up to his trial.

NT police officer Zachary Rolfe leaves the Supreme Court after day two of pre-trial proceedings. Picture: Glenn Campbell

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Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe has appeared in the Supreme Court in Darwin for the second day of legal proceedings in the lead-up to his trial.

In what is expected to be one of the most significant trials in the NT’s history, a jury will soon consider whether the officer murdered 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker when he fatally shot the teen during a botched arrest in the remote community of Yuendumu in November 2019.

Rolfe has previously pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.

The court is this week considering legal arguments around the admissibility of evidence – behind closed doors – before the trial’s scheduled start on Monday but that could be postponed due to Sydney’s Covid-19 lockdown.

NT police officer Zachary Rolfe arrives at the Supreme Court for day two of pre-trial proceedings. Picture: Glenn Campbell

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On Monday, a police van was parked at the front of the courthouse as dozens of on-duty officers monitored the perimeter, but there was less of a police presence today.

However, NT Police Commander Matthew Hollamby said the public should expect a “heightened police presence” while the trial was on.

“The community may notice a heightened police presence around the Darwin Supreme Court and other parts of the city over coming weeks,” he said.

“The heightened presence is related to the trial but operational details will not be shared.

“We acknowledge that this will be a difficult time for some members of the community and police will maintain a focus on community safety.”

The case continues tomorrow.

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