Date for hearing set
Committal hearing set for ex-prosecutor
TWO alleged co-offenders of a former top Cairns lawyer charged with drug trafficking are set to become star prosecution witnesses at his committal hearing.
Former Cairns Crown Prosecutor Roger Griffith, 55, was charged by police last year and accused of being a key figure in a Far North drug syndicate.
A mention of the case yesterday heard the prosecution witnesses would appear at a committal hearing in the new year.
TWO alleged co-offenders of a former top Cairns lawyer charged with drug trafficking are set to become star prosecution witnesses at his committal hearing.
Former Cairns crown prosecutor Roger Griffith was charged by police last year and is accused being a key figure in a Far North drug syndicate.
The 55-year-old is accused of trafficking ice and cannabis, perverting the course of justice, money laundering and burglary.
His case was mentioned in the Cairns Magistrates Court yesterday, where it was set down for a committal hearing early next year.
Police prosecutor SeniorSergeant Maynard Marcum told the court six witnesses were due to be called to give evidence during the committal, including two “13A witnesses”.
Under the Penalties and Sentences Act, these are considered special witnesses, as they have co-operated with law enforcement in return for a lesser jail sentence.
Sen-Sgt Marcum said the hearing could take up to two days, because the pair could face considerable questioning.
“I think it will be prudent to list it for two rather than overflow the one day and have to seek another day six weeks in the future from that date,” he said.
“There are two 13A witnesses who (have) lengthy, lengthy statements that traverse months and months of activity.
“I could see cross examination of those witnesses taking considerable time.”
Mr Griffith earlier this year engaged new Brisbane-based lawyers Gilshenan & Luton, who recently represented former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale.
Cairns-based barrister Stephanie Williams acted as town agent for the law firm during yesterday’s hearing and said they and police had reached agreement about the witnesses and issues which would be canvassed during the committal.
Magistrate Joe Pinder set the committal hearing date for January 22-23.