Scott William Newman's Tamworth drug supply and kidnap case ordered 'must proceed' after lengthy delays | Strike Force Catkin

Scott William Newman did not appear in Tamworth Local Court when his case was called, but the prosecuting solicitor asked for a further adjournment.

The court heard the police officer-in-charge of the case, as well as the second officer-in-charge, had been on leave.

"It's had one, two, three, four mentions for charge certification and he's in custody," magistrate Julie Soars said, flicking through the court documents.

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Ms Soars asked solicitors involved in the case why it had taken so long to get to this stage where the DPP would confirm charges against the accused, but still weren't ready.

Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) defence lawyer Gemma Ridley told the court she did not consent to the delay but did not oppose it.

Ms Soars granted a short adjournment, with a stern warning.

"I'll mark it must proceed, i.e. any further extensions will have to be supported in the usual way," she said.

Standard procedure is that the DPP has six months to certify the charges against Newman, and that time will be up next week, the court heard.

The 31-year-old man was arrested by specialist Strike Force Catkin police in Werris Creek in January after an investigation into drug supply in the area.

Newman has not been required to enter pleas to charges of detaining a person in company with the intent of obtaining an advantage; supplying a prohibited drug; supplying drugs on an ongoing basis; supplying cannabis; and dealing with the suspected proceeds of crime.

The man is staring down the barrel of a lengthy jail sentence if found guilty of the allegations against him, with one of the charges carrying a maximum of 20 years' imprisonment.

Newman made no application for his release, and Ms Soars formally refused him bail.

The case was adjourned.

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