Murder trial date put back yet again

A MURDER trial that was set to begin at the end of the month in Hobart now will not start until at least mid-October — three years after the accused murderer was taken into custody.

The murder case of Michelle Meades returned to the Supreme Court in Hobart yesterday. Kylie Jane Hack, 35, of Mornington, previously pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Meades, 51, of Kingston, and has been held on remand since October 2016. Gary Matthews, 58, of Rokeby, has also pleaded not guilty to being an accessory after a murder, and failing to report a killing.

Ms Meades went missing in New Town on September 16, 2016. Police found her body six days later in a burnt-out public housing property in Clarendon Vale.

A trial date of July 29 had recently been set to appear before Justice Helen Wood.

But the court heard yesterday both the prosecution and defence were still waiting on further reports and information. It is unknown exactly how long the trial will take until all materials have been received and considered, which could take up to four weeks, the court heard.

There are only two periods remaining this year where the trial could possibly be listed, with the crown aiming to be ready in time for the court sittings beginning mid-October.

Prisoners Legal Service chair Greg Barns said legislation should be introduced that ensured trials were held within a reasonable time frame. “People who are on remand have not been convicted of any crime and it is incredibly stressful for them to be in prison and they don’t get the same access to rehabilitative programs that convicted prisoners get,” he said.

Ms Hack and Mr Matthews cases were adjourned until July 25.