Sue Neill-Fraser’s former lawyer Jeffrey Ian Thompson likely to stand trial in November
Sue Neill-Fraser’s supporters have rallied around her former lawyer, Jeffrey Ian Thompson, who is likely to stand trial in November over two counts of perverting justice.
Police & Courts
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- Former Sue Neill-Fraser lawyer Jeffrey Ian Thompson’s trial date still not a certainty
- Jeffrey Ian Thompson likely to face trial in October
A NOVEMBER trial date for Sue Neill-Fraser’s former lawyer, Jeffrey Ian Thompson, is looking increasingly likely despite a string of delays and claims of evidentiary issues.
Meanwhile, supporters of Neill-Fraser have rallied around Mr Thompson, describing his four-year wait to face trial as an “unreasonable delay”.
Mr Thompson faced the Supreme Court of Tasmania on Thursday via telephone for a directions hearing ahead of the expected November 8 trial, during which he will fight two counts of perverting justice in relation to Neill-Fraser’s murder appeal bid.
It is alleged he attempted to influence a potential witness to identify a person from a photo array in June 2017.
It is further alleged he prepared a document outlining the evidence he would or could give for Neill-Fraser’s appeal, relating to the witness’ identification from the photo array.
In a brief court hearing earlier this month, Mr Thompson’s lawyer John Monroe said locking in senior counsel availability could be an issue in November.
On Thursday, he also said he was facing difficulties with redactions on a Tasmania Police report.
Justice Michael Brett kept the November 8 date, but said each side had liberty to apply for administrative hearings at short notice in the meantime.
Speaking outside court, key Neill-Fraser supporter Rosie Crumpton-Crook said it was good to finally have a trial date but that she was concerned Mr Monroe was unable to access information he needed to stage a defence.
“We are gravely concerned about many aspects of the management of Mr Thompson’s case,” she said.
Twelve witnesses are expected to be called during the five-day November trial.
Neill-Fraser is currently serving a 23-year sentence for the 2009 murder of her partner Bob Chappell.
She staged her second appeal bid in March this year, with the Court of Criminal Appeal yet to hand down its decision.
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