Sue Neill-Fraser appeal witness Meaghan Vass fails to show in court on unrelated charge

A key witness expected to be called in the high-profile appeal of convicted killer Sue Neill-Fraser could be arrested over an unrelated criminal allegation. LATEST >>

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A KEY witness expected to be called in the high-profile appeal of convicted killer Sue Neill-Fraser could be arrested over an unrelated criminal allegation.

Meaghan Elizabeth Vass, 27, failed to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Tuesday over a minor charge of possessing a controlled plant or its products at North Hobart in January 2020.

Sue Neill-Fraser arrives at Launceston Supreme Court. Picture: BRUCE MOUNSTER

Magistrate Robert Webster subsequently issued a warrant for her arrest.

Ms Vass is expected to be called at Neill-Fraser’s March 2021 appeal hearing in Hobart.

Ms Vass was a homeless 15-year-old girl in 2009 when Neill-Fraser’s partner Bob Chappell was killed on Australia Day 2009.

Her DNA was found at the crime scene, the Supreme Court previously heard.

Neill-Fraser’s lawyer Paul Galbally previously told the Court of Criminal Appeal that the 10-day appeal hearing would focus on a claim of “fresh and compelling evidence” that Ms Vass was present aboard the Four Winds yacht when Mr Chappell was attacked.

Ms Vass has not been accused of any involvement in Mr Chappell’s death.

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