Forensics Stalled in Cust Case

JAMIE Cust, who is accused of the murder of Jesus Bebita on December 18 in Scone, appeared in Tamworth local court today via audio visual link from Long Bay Gaol, for a determination on a forensic procedure application.

The police prosecution filed the application based on the brief of evidence and did not detail the specific material in their application.

Wendy McAuliffe, defence for Mr Cust said “I still don’t know what those items are… I can’t tell and I can’t advise Mr Cust on the strength of the application.”

Magistrate Julie Soars agreed the matter was “obviously not ready to be heard today and you (the defence) shouldn’t be disadvantaged.”

The police prosecutor, Sergeant Alix Thom, said they relied on the brief of evidence for the application, to which Magistrate Soars asked, “how big is the brief?” adding, “we’re getting into a game if we do it (rely on the brief)”.

Sgt Thom said they had requested particulars for the forensic procedures to be given, but in the absence of those details they needed to rely on the brief, adding “we do want this matter moving forward”.

Magistrate Soars estimated it could take a two-hour hearing for the application based on the brief and set the matter down for May 8 in Tamworth local court.

It was further noted Scone Director of Public Prosecutions matters are routinely transferred to Newcastle court, which will occur after the forensic application has been heard.

Related stories:

• Forensic Order in Murder of Jess – February 18, 2019.
• Jess Laid to Rest – January 21, 2019.
• Jess Remembered – December 21, 2019.
• Murder Matter Adjourned – December 19, 2018.
• Man Charged with Murder – December 19, 2018.
• Police Confirm Murder Investigation – December 18, 2018.
• Suspicious Death in Scone– December 18, 2018.
• Police Confirm Murder Investigation.– December 18, 2018.
• Police Investigate: Body Found in Scone.– December 18, 2018.