Jeffrey Ian Thompson likely to face trial in October

It has been revealed when the trial of a lawyer charged with perverting justice in relation to Susan Neill-Fraser’s murder appeal bid will likely to go ahead.

THE trial of a lawyer charged with perverting justice in relation to Susan Neill-Fraser’s murder appeal bid is likely to go ahead in the second half of this year.

Jeffrey Ian Thompson, 53, of Sandy Bay, a former member of Neill-Fraser’s legal team, who has previously pleaded not guilty to two counts of perverting justice, appeared in the Supreme Court in Hobart today for a directions hearing.

Jeffrey Ian Thompson outside the Supreme Court in Hobart. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

The court heard that the most likely date for a trial would be in October.

Mr Thompson is accused of attempting to influence potential witness Stephen Gleeson to identify a person from a photo array in June 2017.

It is further alleged Mr Thompson prepared a document outlining the evidence he would or could give for Neill-Fraser’s appeal, relating to Mr Gleeson’s identification from the photo array.

NEILL-FRASER’S SECOND BID FOR FREEDOM TO FOCUS ON HOMELESS GIRL

Justice Michael Brett adjourned the case until March 19.

Neill-Fraser is appealing her 2010 conviction for the murder of her partner Bob Chappell, 65, on board the couple’s yacht Four Winds on Australia Day 2009.

Neill-Fraser is serving a 23-year sentence.