AFTER sacking numerous legal representatives, the man accused of an out-of-control crime spree with a fiery end has been referred to a support service to explain the legal system to him.
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Denis Shillingsworth appeared in Tamworth Local Court on Wednesday via video link from the mental health unit at Long Bay Hospital represented by solicitor Yvonne Phillipos who took on the matter the day before.
Magistrate Julie Soars said she wanted to make sure Shillingsworth had legal representation and to put him in touch with the Justice Advocacy Service.
"There are difficulties previous lawyers have had with Mr Shillingsworth, I wanted to see if you need assistance to assist him to provide appropriate instructions," she said.
"Justice Advocacy Service can only get involved if there is a cognitive issue, I'm not sure but I had some concerns he was having difficulty with his lawyers because he's gone through a number of them."
Ms Soars was reluctant to grant an adjournment given the case had been poised for committal for sentence or trial for some time.
But, given Ms Phillipos had only taken on the case the day before, she granted a two-week adjournment.
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The accused is yet to enter pleas to a raft of charges connected to an alleged car-jacking on December 18 in Tamworth.
He faces five charges for stealing a car, two counts of assault with intent to take and drive a vehicle, damaging more than $15,000 worth of property and assaulting police on duty causing actual harm.
The 39-year-old is alleged to have stolen a car before driving through Woodward Avenue, Susanne, Edward and Vera Streets.
It's alleged Shillingsworth crashed into a parked car that set alight before a nearby garage burst into flames.
Shillingsworth will return to court at the end of September, bail was not applied for and it was formally refused.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
