NSW: Mark Catchpole applies to have serious charges dropped

AAP General News (Australia)
12-09-2008
NSW: Mark Catchpole applies to have serious charges dropped

SYDNEY, Dec 9 AAP - Mark Catchpole, the son of former Wallabies legend Ken Catchpole,
is fighting to have the more serious drug charges against him dropped.

Catchpole, 40, is facing 13 drug and weapons charges, including supplying ecstasy,
dealing in the proceeds of crime and several firearm offences.

In Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, his barrister, William Barber, asked
the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to withdraw charges of possessing a pill press
and dealing in the proceeds of crime.

Chief Magistrate Graeme Henson encouraged the DPP to make a decision about Catchpole's
application by December 23.

"Christmas cheer will go out the door if I am asked to turn up simply to make an adjournment,"

Mr Henson said.

"Ho ho ho."

Outside court, Mr Barber told reporters if the major charges were dropped his client
would "be here for a very few minor matters".

He said the NSW Crime Commission had frozen all Catchpole's bank accounts and taken
his car, putting his life on hold.

"Hopefully on the 23rd his life can get back to normal," Mr Barber said.

"Unfortunately, if we are successful here (in having the charges dropped) we will still
have to fight the crime commission to unfreeze his accounts."

AAP nap/wjf/wf/mn

KEYWORD: CATCHPOLE

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