Late twist in court trial
A TOWNSVILLE woman charged with attempted murder will no longer be brought before a jury after the serious charges levelled against her were sensationally dropped.
The two-week Supreme Court trial of Kayla Cheree Maxfield, Dylan Ryan Tuckwell-cvek and Leslie Gordon Sharp was set to begin on Monday morning – but it came to a grinding halt after Maxfield’s barrister filed an eleventh hour application to withdraw his representation.
In a shock twist after an hours-long discussion, Maxfield’s attempted murder charge was dropped.
She instead pleaded guilty from the dock to an alternative charge of malicious act with intent.
Maxfield also pleaded guilty to additional counts of dangerous conduct with a weapon, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and arson.
It was alleged Maxfield – who was co-accused with Tuckwell-cvek – was party to the attempted murder of Shane Robert Alexander during a drive-by shooting on Gould st, Kirwan, on August 10, 2019.
Defence barrister Harvey Walters told Justice Peter Callaghan there was “no possible way” he could continue to represent Maxfield, citing “ethical” issues.
“(There is) no possibility that we could represent her in a fair and proper manner,” Mr Walters said.
“I don’t wish to go further into those matters, but it is an impossible situation that we could continue to act for her.”. Justice Callaghan said he wished to push forward with the trial.
“I wont grant leave to withdraw to someone on a basis of bold assertion,” Justice Callaghan said.
“Cryptic communications” continued until an adjournment was granted for all parties to discuss the matter – but when they returned, the court was promptly closed to the public.
The trial will proceed with former co-accused Tuckwell-cvek and Sharp, who were then arraigned.
Sharp pleaded not guilty to a single charge of arson of a Mercedes Benz coup.
Tuckwell-cvek entered pleas of not guilty to unlawful use of a motor vehicle, attempt to murder, arson, and dangerous conduct with a weapon.
He also faces an alternative charge of malicious act with intent.
Maxfield will remain in custody until the completion of the trial.
The trial will begin in full on Tuesday.