ACCUSED KILLER’S BAIL OPPOSED
WITNESSES who were allegedly too terrified to give evidence about a Geelong murder 22 years ago now feel safe to do so, but not if the accused killer is released on bail, prosecutors say.
Karl Michael Hague, 44, yesterday asked the Supreme Court to release him on bail as he awaits trial for the 1995 murder of 16-year-old Ricky Balcombe.
The prosecution opposes his release and says there is an unacceptable risk Mr Hague could interfere with witnesses.
“Witnesses were justifiably terrified of the applicant, terrified to tell the truth of what they knew,” prosecutor Andrew Tinney SC said.
“Now things have changed and people have been prepared to come forward, despite the years, and tell the truth.”
The youth was repeatedly stabbed outside a supermarket at Geelong’s Market Square mall on May 5, 1995.
Mr Hague was due to stand trial for the murder in 1998 before the Crown abandoned its case against him.
At the time prosecutors said there was no prospect of obtaining a conviction against Hague. A nolle prosequi, or notice of abandonment, which allowed the Crown the right to reopen the proceedings at a later date, was submitted to the Supreme Court.
In August, Mr Hague was charged a second time over Ricky’s murder, and has been in custody since.
Mr Tinney says another man allegedly saw the murder but was too scared to give evidence against Mr Hague.
“That’s why over 22 years down the track and he (Mr Hague) still hasn’t stood trial,” the prosecutor said.
It is alleged he fatally stabbed the teenager in an act of revenge.
“He (the witness) was actually present at the time of the murder and saw who carried it out,” Mr Tinney said.
“The crime was committed apparently as payback.”
He said the witness contradicted Mr Hague’s denials he was near the Geelong shopping centre where the fatal stabbing happened.
Justice Lex Lasry will hand down a decision on Tuesday as to whether Mr Hague should be released on bail.
The trial is due to start in Geelong in January.