Fulcher bid is adjourned

Press, 6 February 1986, Page 4

Fulcher bid is adjourned

PA Wellington The Court of Appeal has adjourned an application by Peter Fulcher relating to drug offences he is alleged to have committed in 1978. Fulcher, who was extradited from Australia last year, has applied for a review of District Court Judge Blackwood’s decision to continue with the hearing of the informations. The Court of Appeal

heard yesterday that a three-week depositions hearing is due to start next Monday. Witnesses have been brought from overseas, to appear at the hearing. Mr Justice Richardson said that until the court’s jurisdiction to hear Fulcher’s application was decided, it could not assist. The Court of Appeal comprised Mr Justice Richardson, Mr Justice McMullin and Mr Justice

Somers. Mr Justice Richardson adjourned the application sine die. He said it could be brought back before the court when Fulcher’s counsel, (Mr G. Howley), had considered the authorities on jurisdiction. The time limitations applying to the informations could be raised later under Crimes Act appeal provisions, His Honour said. Fulcher faces five charges. They are: posses-

sion of heroin for sale or supply on June 6, 1978; conspiring with Terrence Clarke and others, to import heroin between June 6 and December 25, 1978; with Clarke and others importing heroin on June 6, 1978; and conspiring with Clarke and others to supply heroin between November 10 and December 21, 1978, and conspiring with Clarke and others to supply heroin between November 10 and December 21, 1978.