A WALCHA man charged with drug dealing and possession is trying to have his case moved to Sydney.
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Harley Cox, 20, is accused of supplying an indictable quantity of drugs.
Tamworth Local Court heard Cox had requested his case be heard at the Downing Centre Court in Sydney. He’s yet to formally enter a plea to both charges.
Defence solicitor Stephen O’Reilly said the matter has been adjourned on several occasions while police and lawyers resolve issues with the facts.
“The facts remain unresolved, but nevertheless a plea will be maintained,” he said.
“We seek a committal for sentence for the matters to go down to the Downing Centre for the convenience of counsel and to make the outcome cost-effective.
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“We will continue to discuss outstanding issues in relation to the facts with the Crown."
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) solicitor Cat McKay said she was content to commit to sentence but would not stand for moving the case to Sydney.
“The change of venue application is opposed, particularly when there’s potential for a dispute on the facts,” she said.
“The offence was committed in this area so it’s appropriate it stays here.”
But Magistrate Mark Richardson said while the facts are being argued there would be no committal.
Cox was charged by Walcha police officers on February 9, and defence solicitor Mr O’Reilly said if the venue is an issue he is content for the matter to go to the Tamworth District Court.
The matter was adjourned with Cox’s bail to continue.