The lawyer of the man accused of murdering British backpacker Peter Falconio has spoken to the media in Darwin. Adelaide Barrister Grant Algie is urging the media to respect the judicial process and allow 45-year-old Bradley John Murdoch the right to a fair committal hearing.
In the committal, the Magistrate will determine if there is enough evidence to commit Mr Murdoch to stand trial in the Supreme Court.
Mr Algie says he wants to ensure Mr Murdoch gets a fair hearing and prejudice is limited.
"Brad Murdoch, for whom we act, doesn't have a website," Mr Algie said.
"Brad Murdoch doesn't have a media liaison officer.
"But what Brad Murdoch has - and this is very important - is a presumption of innocence and an absolute right to a fair trial if and when he is put on trial."
Mr Algie says his client will not be called to give evidence.
"I would say that you could be absolutely certain that not only would Mr Murdoch not be cross-examined but he will not be called in the committal," Mr Algie said.
"It's not a trial."
By Order in the Court posted 16 May 04
Australia to see the light on tourism
And the Australian ruling class will lock up and frame-up, for 'life', anyone for a crime against any 'backpacker or holiday maker from overseas' no matter whether they were 'guilty or not' and no matter whether they 'found any dead bodies' or whether they found any 'weapon that killed a tourist' and even if there is only 'flawed circumstantial evidence' and 'trial by media' to prove their case.
Related:
Peter Beattie nominated as Australian of the year: Howard
Bradley Murdoch the man alleged to have murdered English tourist Peter Falconio who has been acquitted of rape and abduction charges in the South Australian District Court.
Tourist dollar drives set-up for crime
The man alleged to have murdered English tourist Peter Falconio has been acquitted of rape and abduction charges in the South Australian District Court. Bradley John Murdoch, 45, was charged with two counts of rape, two counts of false imprisonment and two counts of indecent assault after an alleged incident in South Australia's Riverland in August last year.
Govt, police 'let off the hook' Haneef inquiry
15 years ago