NSW: Orkopoulos arraignment put over for two weeks

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2007
NSW: Orkopoulos arraignment put over for two weeks

NEWCASTLE, NSW, Aug 30 AAP - Former NSW government minister Milton Orkopoulos must
wait another two weeks for his court arraignment on child sex and drug charges.

Orkopoulos, 49, appeared in the Newcastle District Court before Judge Ralph Coolahan today.

The prosecution asked for another two weeks to prepare for Orkopoulos' arraignment,
citing the size and complexity of the case.

The former NSW Aboriginal affairs minister, from Newcastle, is facing 52 charges relating
to alleged child sex and drug offences spanning more than 10 years.

Defence lawyer Greg Murray asked for the Crown to ensure it was ready to proceed given
the arduous bail conditions faced by Orkopoulos.

Judge Coolahan adjourned the hearing until September 13, and Orkopoulos was again released
under strict bail conditions.

AAP dr/sg/hn/cjh/bwl

KEYWORD: ORKOPOULOS

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