Darwin Man Charged with Murder Granted Bail After Extradition
Darwin Local Court granted bail too Peter Scammell, who is charged with the murder of his partner, a day after his extradition to the Northern Territory. Judge Sally Ozolins released Mr. scammell on strict conditions, including a $2,000 bond, an ankle monitor, weekly reporting to NT police, and a requirement to remain in the NT.
Mr. Scammell’s defense lawyer argued his client did not present a flight risk, stating he had “actively” engaged with police and the coroner. he told the court Mr. Scammell had been visiting his parents at the time of his arrest, after travelling through Queensland and Victoria with his new partner, and had also made overseas trips. The lawyer also noted Mr. Scammell had been unable to find work since the incident and owned property in the Darwin region.
“The Crown … accepts unreservedly that it’s a circumstantial case … but I say respectfully, for the reasons of the history of the matter, that it’s a weak circumstantial case,” the defence lawyer said.
Prosecutor Nicole Popper conceded there was nothing in Mr. Scammell’s conduct “to date” to suggest a flight risk. Judge Ozolins agreed, adding the risk was lessened by Mr. Scammell having resided in Darwin during the coronial inquest and “has seen this coming.”
