Judge adjourns alleged bikie's bail application over Newman comments

Extract from ABC News website:

By Maria Hatzakis

Updated 33 minutes ago

A Supreme Court judge in Brisbane has adjourned a bail hearing because of Premier Campbell Newman's recent remarks about the judiciary.

Two weeks ago, 25-year-old alleged bikie member Jared Kevin Anthony Brown was granted bail in the Holland Park Magistrates Court in Brisbane.
Today, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) applied to the Supreme Court to review the bail decision.
But in court today Justice George Fryberg questioned whether he should hear the DPP's application, in light of remarks made recently by Mr Newman.
The judge quoted an ABC story that reported Mr Newman as saying he wanted the Queensland judiciary to start realising what the community wanted, and to act accordingly.

Judge says 'it's essential justice be seen to be done', claims Newman's comments compromise that

Justice Fryberg told today's hearing he was troubled by the comments, which he said could put the public's perception of justice at risk.
"Before I commence hearing this case, I need to know whether the report reflects what the Premier said about this case and whether the DPP reflects that view, or whether they have withdrawn it," he said.
"It is essential in our system that justice be seen to be done.
"If we hear remarks on the record that are not withdrawn, it would be very difficult for members of the public to avoid the conclusion that the court was bending to the will of the government ... justice would not be seen to be done.
"The difficulty I see is the application is being brought by the Government ... the Government's principal spokesman has publicly told the court what the outcome should be."

'Courts could grind to halt if Newman doesn't back down'

He adjourned the DPP's application to have the bail decision reviewed.
Justice Fryberg asked the DPP to determine whether the media reports of Mr Newman's coments were accurate, whether the Premier had withdrawn what he said, and if not, whether the court ought to hear the matter or stay it indefinitely.
Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says Mr Newman must back down.
"When the Parliament resumes at 2:00pm, I expect the Premier to stand up and withdraw his comments unreservedly, and apologise to the courts for these attacks," she said.

"Otherwise our courts will grind to a halt."