More delay in ‘kidnap’ case

AN alleged kidnapping case involving three men who police claim are members of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang has been delayed because a witness cannot be served with a summons.

Daniel Reginald Clarke, Kurt John hill Richardson, Morgan Joel Howard and Shearwater woman Shannon Lee Atkins have been charged with kidnapping in relation to the alleged abduction of a 33year-old Devonport woman in November last year.

Mr Clarke, Mr Howard and Ms Atkins appeared in the Burnie Magistrates Court on Tuesday for preliminary proceedings, but the matters were adjourned because a witness —a Mr Boyer who now lives in Melbourne — had not been served with a summons.

Mr Richardson did not appear.

Associate judge Stephen Holt was told Victoria Police could not serve a summons on Mr Boyer because of COVID-19 restrictions under which face-to-face transactions with the public are banned.

Associate Justice Holt told the prosecution it was time to get a private company involved. “This is using court time and defendants are turning up to court, only for the matter to be adjourned.

“In my view, you ought to ensure the summons is served either by Victoria Police or a private service,” Associate Justice Holt said.

Police allege the woman was kidnapped in the early hours in Devonport and taken to an out lying suburb.

She later escaped unharmed.

Police also claim all five people are known to each other.

The accused have previously pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The case was adjourned until November 6.