Darwin Man Charged with Murder Granted Bail After Extradition
Darwin Local Court โคgranted bail too Peter Scammell, who โis charged with theโ murder of his partner, a dayโ after his extradition toโ the Northernโค Territory. Judge Sally Ozolins released Mr. scammell onโ strict conditions, including a $2,000 bond, an ankle monitor, weeklyโข reporting to NT โpolice, and a requirement toโฃ 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. Scammellโฃ 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 โคand owned property in the Darwin region.
“The Crown โฆ accepts unreservedlyโค thatโ it’s a circumstantial case โฆ but I say respectfully, for the reasons of theโข history of the matter, that it’s a weak circumstantial case,” the defence lawyer said.
Prosecutor Nicole Popper conceded โthere was nothing in Mr. Scammell’sโค conductโ “to date” to suggest a flight risk. Judge Ozolins agreed, adding โthe risk wasโ lessened by Mr. Scammell having resided in Darwin during the coronial inquest and “has seen this coming.”