THE Mount Isa Magistrate seemed bewildered at Legal Aid Queensland’s method to separate its clients alleged to be part of a drug trafficking syndicate based in the city.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
These clients include Shane Michael Parkes, Chloe Patricia Maree Grant, Kineta Tatnell, and Stacey Claire Best.
Last week in the magistrates court several defendants of drug trafficking matters were mentioned. Many of the adjournments were timed for October 13. They were among more than 20 people arrested in police operation North Caliper in Mount Isa last year who are represented by various legal firms.
Legal Aid Queensland’s defendants were taken on by different offices across the state, including Ipswich, Southport, Brisbane, and Maroochydore. However, Mount Isa solicitor Rhianna Batt spoke on behalf of these offices in the local court on most occasions.
These matters are getting more starts than the Phar Lap.”
- Magistrate James Morton
When defendant Kineta Tatnell, mentioned for charges of possessing dangerous drugs, failing to appear, and drug trafficking, was heard to be represented by the Brisbane office, magistrate James Morton said, “these matters are getting more starts than the Phar Lap.”
Ms Tatnell’s matter was adjourned to October 13 and her appearance will be excused.
Co-offender Chloe Patricia Maree Grant was also heard but her matter has been moved from the jurisdiction of the magistrates court to the higher Supreme Court at a date to be determined.
Ms Grant has been accused of trafficking meth and of having a mobile phone used for dealing.
The list of witnesses involved in the prosecution’s case, including investigating police officers, were read by police prosecutor Sergeant Karen Hall. Ms Grant’s legal representative, Ms Batt, said, “it’s a Prima Facie case. She does not wish to enter a plea.”
A solicitor for another Mount Isa person, Robert Adam Cherrington, who is accused of trafficking and supplying dangerous drugs, said that the evidence appeared to be the same for every person accused of being part of the syndicate.
Solicitor Terrence Browne, of Arthur Browne and Associates, said he needed several weeks to search the large amount of material used in the prosecution against his client. Mr Browne still had to determine what the case against his client would be.
“So far as we understand the material for everyone is identical,” Mr Browne said.
“We do not have any identification for the prosecution they are relying on.”
