WE SHOULDER LACEY LOAD
THAT old saying about “justice delayed is justice denied’’ is turning sour in the case of former milk baron Ken Lacey.
Lacey, who has enjoyed a high profile on the Glitter Strip, pleaded guilty in November to supplying about 12g of cocaine and to four other offences, including possessing methylamphetamine.
The charges stemmed from his arrest in 2015 during a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation into cocaine distribution in southeast Queensland.
Lacey made millions through buying up milk runs in Melbourne and in buying and selling Hedges Ave property, but lost his fortune on huge legal fees for his sons — who have been serving lengthy sentences over the death of a man in 2007, torture and drug trafficking — and on ill-fated business ventures, including a brothel.
Public perceptions of the justice system are important, but in this instance observers may be confused by delays in sentencing that stem from both the defence and prosecution. The public will raise a quizzical eyebrow as to why the state of Lacey’s shoulder, which the court has previously heard required two operations last year and might require more surgery, should have a bearing on his sentence.
Late last year sentencing was delayed because of concerns he would be unable to access hydrotherapy pools and physiotherapy if in custody. His lawyers explained he was recovering at the time, and the prosecution sought an adjournment so Lacey’s doctors could provide medical information.
With a huge workload for the courts and a backlog of cases, it is understandable the wheels of justice can turn slowly.
But it is now May and the court yesterday continued to hear about Lacey’s shoulder and the prosecution yet again asked for more information.
Lacey meanwhile remains on bail and the brakes remain applied on his case. The courts have their reasons, but for the wider community this matter has dragged on long enough.
Our public hospitals and nursing homes are full of patients wishing they had access to hydrotherapy and physiotherapy. Why is the justice system so concerned prisons are able to provide these? And since Lacey is receiving Legal Aid, what are these delays costing the taxpayer?