Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker, former speaker Kezia Purick to give evidence in Bravos rape trial

NT POLICE commissioner Jamie Chalker and former parliamentary speaker Kezia Purick will be among the witnesses expected to appear at the trial of former top cop Peter Bravos.

Former NT Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Bravos with wife Cindy Bravos outside the Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to two counts of rape. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

• Peter Bravos to face first day of rape trial

NT POLICE commissioner Jamie Chalker and former parliamentary speaker Kezia Purick will be among the witnesses expected to appear at the trial of former top cop Peter Bravos.

Bravos pleaded not guilty in the Supreme Court today to two counts of rape before the hearing was adjourned so Crown prosecutor Nick Papas QC could be tested for coronavirus.

Trial judge John Burns told jurors Mr Papas was undergoing isolation after travelling to the NT from Victoria but had been “granted an exemption” and was expected to be free to front court tomorrow.

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Justice Burns said Mr Papas would be socially distancing himself and jurors should have no fear of contracting the virus.

“Any member of the jury panel who is selected as a juror should not have any concerns that they will be within any distance of Mr Papas because he will, consistent with his role as Crown in the trial, be keeping a fair distance away from the jury,” he said.

Tami Grealy, who will serve as junior counsel for the Crown pending Mr Papas’ coronavirus all-clear, said prosecutors expected to call a total of 42 witnesses including top brass from NT Police and current and former politicians.

On the list with Mr Chalker and Ms Purick were former MLA and ex-policeman Willem Westra Van Holthe, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Matt Nathan SC and Children’s Commissioner Colleen Gwynne.

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Bravos is a former NT Police Assistant Commissioner and is facing two counts of rape dating back to 2004.

The trial is expected to run for four weeks.