Ex-Marlin in legal delay

FORMER Cairns Marlins basketball star George Butler has been given a last chance to find a lawyer as he fights a longstanding drugs charge.

Mr Butler appeared in Cairns Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with possession of a dangerous drug.

He had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The matter first appeared in the Coen Magistrates’ Court in 2016.

Mr Butler represented himself in court and asked for a further adjournment so he could secure legal representation.

“I don’t want to appear unrepresented,” Mr Butler told Magistrate Kevin Priestly.

“This is a very important case in my life.”

He told the court he was seeking representation outside of Cairns.

“A lot of people in this town don’t want to take this case,” Mr Butler said.

The defendant said his application for legal aid had been STAR: George Butler in action for the Cairns Marlins in 2003. slowed by “negligence” and questioned the materials disclosed by police, but was cut short by Magistrate Priestly, who warned he could end up in the watch-house.

“You come very close to contempt because you don’t stop (talking) when directed,” Mr Priestly said.

He said Mr Butler had one last chance “in the interests of justice”, to secure legal representation.

“There is no right to legal aid,” he said.

“From this point on I’m not going to entertain any further application for mentions.

“It is a matter for you to establish a working relationship with a solicitor.”

He told Mr Butler that he could end up representing himself during a summary hearing.

“A date for hearing will be fixed whether or not you have representation,” Mr Priestly said.

The matter has been adjourned for mention on May 25, when it is expected that a date for a hearing will be set.