Court anger at violence case delays

A HOBART former family law barrister facing family violence charges against his police officer lover will face a lengthy wait before discovering if he is destined for jail.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Michael Daly expressed his frustration yesterday over Daniel Bearman’s lawyer, Greg Richardson, being unavailable for the “extremely lengthy” case.

Final submissions in the case were listed to be heard at Hobart Magistrates Court yesterday, but were adjourned until February 2020 because Mr Richardson wasn’t available.

But the court heard Mr Richardson had been called up for a Supreme Court of Tasmania trial between February 3 and 28, meaning he wouldn’t be able to make a February magistrates court date either.

Mr Daly crossed his arms as he told counsel: “I’ve extended all the flexibility that I have.”

He noted the Director of Public Prosecutions had scheduled a trial for Mr Richardson despite knowing Mr Bearman’s case had been a lengthy one involving many resources.

“Mr Richardson will have to make a case or I will,” he said.

“I know the pressure that Mr Richardson and others in his position are under when the Crown says ‘turn up’.

“I’m going to give you a February date and Mr Bearman will have Mr Richardson or he won’t.”

Mr Bearman has denied allegations he placed his ex-girlfriend in a bear hug, grabbing her throat and raising his fist toward her face in a threatening gesture.

He also denies he restrained her and stopped her leaving a bedroom.

Mr Bearman faces four counts of common assault, five counts of breaching a police family violence order, two counts of trespass and one count of destroying property.

He previously told the court he began a relationship with the Tasmania Police officer in March or April 2017, until her workplace told her to cut ties with him.

Mr Bearman claimed their relationship “went underground” after that point until they officially ended their liaison on New Year’s Day 2018.

The matter will return to court on February 7 next year.