OFF THE WIRE
Eloise Handley
Source: goldcoastmail.com.au
Australia - A SHARPLY-dressed Darrell Vincent Cross pleaded not guilty in the Brisbane District Court yesterday to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and seriously assaulting a police officer.
The Warwick Bandidos bikie gang identity faced the two charges which related to an incident where Cross allegedly tried to run down a police officer in Moorooka on April 23 last year.
Cocooned in a black suit with his long tuft of hair neatly plaited down his back, the 47-year-old was supported by family in the public gallery as 12 jury members were selected for his trial.
Cross' defence barrister exhausted his eight jury member challenges with the final community representation final upon eight women and four men.
Judge Leanne Clare SC stressed the importance of jury impartiality and explained the jurors' role of listening to the facts and evidence of the case and urged them to "keep an open mind".
"I ask the 12 of you if anyone has difficulty sitting in this trial?" Judge Clare said.
"I asked you to closely listen to the names of the witnesses in case you know them... know about the case which wouldn't be seen to be impartial."
None of the jury members expressed prejudice for the case and were released to resume the trial hearing which is set to kick off in Brisbane about 9.30am this morning.
The Crown Public Prosecutor told the court a total of eight witnesses may be called to testify against Cross which included the Oxley District Police Traffic Branch Senior Constable allegedly involved in the incident as well as five other Oxley District Police officers, a Greenslopes Hospital emergency doctor and a volunteer social worker from Fairfield.
The Crown Public Prosecutor did not object to Cross being released on bail under the condition he must attend each day of the pending trial.
