Scott William Newman's Werris Creek and Tamworth drug supply case adjourned | Strike Force Catkin

Scott William Newman has been behind bars since he was arrested by specialist strike force police in January, and did not appear when his case was called in Tamworth Local Court last week.

Solicitor Rayshele Martin from the state prosecuting authority, the DPP, said lawyers on both sides had met to discuss issues in the matter at a case conference earlier this month, but talks were still being had.

She asked magistrate Julie Soars for a short adjournment.

READ ALSO:

"The parties are seeking two weeks ... to finalise negotiations and settle the [police] facts," Ms Martin told the court.

Ms Soars asked if Newman's case may end up being resolved in the local court.

"No," Ms Martin replied.

Ms Soars ultimately agreed to mention the matter again in three weeks, when the DPP list is next in court, for Newman to enter pleas.

She said it wouldn't lengthen Newman's time in custody because the arraignment date in Tamworth District Court would still be mid-October when the sitting starts.

The 31-year-old accused is facing charges of supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis; supplying a prohibited drug; and recruiting another person to assist in carrying out a criminal activity.

A separate allegation of supplying cannabis was listed by the DPP as a related charge.

No pleas have been entered yet.

Bail was formally refused.

The matter has been plagued by ongoing delays since Newman was arrested seven months ago, after a police squad code named Strike Force Catkin zeroed in on him in Werris Creek.

The breakthrough came as part of an Oxley police investigation into drug supply across the Tamworth and Werris Creek areas.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: