Two men accused of using a firearm to intimidate witnesses in a trial have had their committal hearing adjourned because key witnesses could not be located.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The accused, Travis Scott, 32, and Jake Quinton, 20, were expected to face a two-day committal hearing on Tuesday.
The Ballarat Magistrates' Court heard two key witnesses could not be found.
The prosecution stated one witness had not been served a subpoena because he could not been found. Multiple people, including the witnesses' mother had tried to contact him through Facebook and other means. Another witness, who had been served a subpoena, did not show up.
Adding to the issues surrounding the hearing, the barrister representing Quinton was struck down with an illness and unable to attend.
It is alleged Scott and Quinton attempted to pervert the course of justice by trying to persuade two witnesses from giving truthful evidence in an impending trial, according to their charge sheets obtained by The Courier.
The incident occurred on October 11 at a Ballarat East house where the two men were alleged to have threatened two witnesses with a shotgun.
Both men were charged by the Armed Crime Squad with 10 offences relating to the incident which include, being a prohibited person who used a firearm, attempt to pervert the course of justice, aggravated burglary, recklessly causing injury and harass witnesses.
Scott also faces additional charges from October 13, including four counts of possessing a firearm and one count each of possessing a controlled weapon without a lawful excuse and possessing a prohibited weapon (crossbow).
Both men have been remanded to reappear on May 3.
Olivia Shying
Police and emergency services reporter.
Police and emergency services reporter.
