MALCOLM Naden appeared in Taree Local Court yesterday for a brief bail hearing, before relieving magistrate Michael Morahan.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Naden was officially charged with the murder of a 24-year-old woman at Dubbo in June 2005; two counts of aggravated indecent assault of person under 16 and shoot with intent to murder, relating to an incident involving a police officer at Nowendoc on December 7 last year. More charges are expected to be laid.
A suppression order relating to anything identifying the victim of the indecent assault was applied for by police prosecutor Sgt Fernandez Ponte and not opposed by defence counsel, solicitor Michael Jones. Bail was not applied for.
Magistrate Morahan offered to impose a suppression order on anything identifying the accused (Naden) in relation to the indecent assault charges but Sgt Ponte said he didn’t think it was necessary.
Only media and police were allowed in the public gallery of the courtroom, at the request of the magistrate. The room was almost full, with seven police officers, six plainclothes detectives, two sherrifs and five court officers. At least a further 10 riot squad officers were on guard outside.
It all seemed a little too much security for a frail-looking and gaunt Naden, still dressed in a blue forensic jumpsuit and sitting in the secure glass dock in the courtroom. Nevertheless he looked alert and stared at members of the media as they took their seats, even nodding slightly to one.
Magistrate Morahan adjourned the matter until April 24 for the brief to be served, acknowledging this was a “nominal” date as more charges would be forthcoming. He noted that video link would be required – thus Naden would not need to be transported to the court.
After a hearing lasting less than five minutes, the court adjourned and Naden winced as he rose and was led out through the secure passageway back to the cells. He appeared to have a red bruise on the back of his shaved head.