Fury erupts as Huon Valley woman Melissa Oates exits court amid more delays
The court case for Huon Valley woman Melissa Oates has again been adjourned, with explosive scenes erupting as she came face-to-face with the loved ones of deceased man Jari Wise. PHOTOS, VIDEO + LATEST >>
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FURIOUS scenes have exploded outside a Hobart court as a Huon Valley woman was escorted by police past the grief-stricken family of her deceased boyfriend.
Jari Wise, 26, died on February 29 after he was struck by a car while walking along a Huonville road. His death has torn his community apart.
While police at the time claimed the car was driven by his 34-year-old girlfriend Melissa Oates, she has not been charged with causing his death.
The Lucaston woman, who is currently on bail, was due to enter a plea in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Thursday to 122 counts of breaching a police family violence order, along with two counts of common assault and one count of injuring property.
But the court was told there had been “some difficulties” regarding the disclosure of evidence, with both defence and prosecution legal teams agreeing the case needed to – again – be adjourned.
In July, Magistrate Glenn Hay directed Ms Oates to enter a plea on September 17 after her lawyer said she hadn’t yet received some 116 pages of court documents.
On Thursday, Mr Hay agreed to adjourn, but added “we really need to start to move these matters along”.
Outside court, dozens of protesters screamed “justice for Jari” as Ms Oates exited under the protection of two police officers.
Ms Oates jumped inside a navy Ford Territory 4WD with tinted windows as it came driving around Liverpool Street to collect her.
But as the car went to drive away, two of the protesters attempted to get Ms Oates’ attention, with one woman thumping the vehicle with her hands.
Nearby, other protesters chanted while holding placards and a large banner emblazoned with “JUSTICE4JARI”.
Previously, Mr Wise’s mother Faith Tkalac wept furiously when Ms Oates was first granted bail.
Animosity between the parties have been expressed during previous court hearings.
Ms Oates is due to return to court on November 11.
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