Qld: Court clears way for Ferguson trial

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-2008
Qld: Court clears way for Ferguson trial

Queensland's highest court has handed down a landmark ruling that prominent people
.. like convicted pedophile DENNIS FERGUSON .. can get a fair trial.

The Court of Appeal in Brisbane has overturned a decision made last month by District
Court Judge HUGH BOTTING .. who ordered a permanent stay of proceedings against 60-year-old
FERGUSON.

In a written judgment handed down this morning before a packed courtroom .. the three
judges of the Court of Appeal unanimously found Judge BOTTING had erred in ruling pretrial
publicity would prevent FERGUSON receiving a fair trial.

FERGUSON now has until Tuesday to surrender to police or face a warrant for his arrest
over allegations he sexually assaulted a five-year-old girl at her home at Dalby west
of Brisbane .. in November 2005.

Attorney-General KERRY SHINE .. who launched the appeal .. says it reaffirms the confidence
people can have in the Queensland justice system.

Opposition Leader LAWRENCE SPRINGBORG says the decision's a relief .. given other high-profile
cases due to come before the courts in coming months.

It's unknown when FERGUSON will face trial but his barrister PAUL SMITH indicated he
will immediately apply for bail.

Police can't confirm if Ferguson is in custody yet.

AAP RTV gd/pjo/bart

KEYWORD: FERGUSON (BRISBANE)

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.