Fulcher alleges unfair N.Z. hearing likely

Press, 14 March 1985, Page 18

Fulcher alleges unfair N.Z. hearing likely

NZPA-AAP Sydney The convicted “Mr Asia” drug ring associate, Peter Fulcher, would be unlikely to receive a fair trial if extradited to New Zealand for trial on several outstanding criminal charges, the Waverley Court has been told. The New Zealand-born Fulcher had been the subject of “vicious” news media attention in that country which would adversely affect any trial involving him, said his counsel, Mr Charles Goldberg. The Magistrate, Mr Terry Forbes, S.M., further adjourned the hearing of an extradition application by the New Zealand Government to May 13 for mention. An application for bail was refused.

The police prosecutor, Senior Constable Brett Parker, told the Court that an extradition application was sought by the New Zealand Government in relation to an armed robbery and kidnapping in Auckland

in 1980. A warrant for Fulcher’s arrest on these charges was issued late last year. Mr Goldberg said the strength of both charges was insubstantial. In fact, it was a “matter of wonder” that someone could suggest there was a strong case on the prosecution’s behalf to extradite Fulcher to New Zealand.

The fact that his name was mentioned in the Stewart Royal Commission and both charges were simply referred to then as “another matter” showed their lack of strength, Mr Goldberg said.

Fulcher is due to stand trial on May 6 on a charge of the armed robbery of the Sefton Post Office in western Sydney late last year. He was arrested at a Bondi hotel in January after being released from Sydney’s Parklea Jail on December 6 last year after serving only four years of an 18-year sentence for importing heroin.