THE solicitor for a man charged after three teenagers were badly burnt in a backyard explosion says she needs more time to consider the brief because it’s a “complicated” case.
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Raymond Harland Hubbard appeared in Tamworth Local Court facing three charges on Wednesday and was flanked by a female supporter.
Legal Aid solicitor Fiona Hadlington said she had received the brief of evidence prepared by detectives but hadn’t discussed it with her client.
“Mr Hubbard hasn’t got a copy of it yet,” she said.
“There certainly isn’t any up-to-date medical evidence.
“That may or may not stop the committal.”
Hubbard was charged by Oxley detectives in mid-November with three counts of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm stemming from the fire in the early hours of November 6.
Mr Prowse questioned the delay in why the 47-year-old accused hadn’t seen the brief.
“Mr Hubbard hasn’t read his brief,” Ms Hadlington said.
“My office hasn’t given it to him.
“This is complicated.”
Detectives allege Hubbard poured an accelerant on a fire at a party in Little Barber St, sparking an explosion which burnt three teenagers.
Two of the boys were flown to a Sydney hospital with serious burns and another was rushed to Tamworth hospital.
The court heard the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had taken charge of the case because of the seriousness of the allegations.
“In all three matters?” Magistrate Roger Prowse asked crown solicitor Cameron Reynolds.
“Yes,” he replied.
Mr Reynolds said there were still some medical reports that needed to be compiled by doctors.
“There is some outstanding medical evidence,” he said, adding it could take some time for the officer-in-charge of the case to gather.
Mr Prowse said the case needed to proceed and adjourned it to February.
“Bail to continue,” he told Hubbard.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
