AUSTRAILIA - Man to be freed after anti-bikie conviction set aside

OFF THE WIRE
The first person jailed under New South Wales's new consorting laws is set to be released after his conviction was set aside.Charlie Foster has withdrawn his plea of guilty to consorting with three friends and housemates in the town of Inverell.
The 21-year-old disability pensioner has served six weeks of a maximum 12-month sentence under the legislation, which outlaws repeated communication with convicted criminals.
Today Judge Clive Jeffreys ordered the charge be tested again in a local court after prosecutors conceded the conviction relied on an inadequate police case.
They have told the court a magistrate should consider a fresh brief of evidence prepared by police earlier this month.
Foster will be released on bail next month once he has served time for lesser offences.
No change to the laws
Premier Barry O'Farrell has defended the laws and the way Police are using them.
"Until such time as there is an adverse finding by a Court or Magistracy I'll continue to have my confidence in the law and in its operation," he said.
Video: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-14/consorting-release/4197522?section=nsw