Pubdate: Thu, 30 Mar 2006
Source: Age, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2006 The Age Company Ltd
Contact:  http://www.theage.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5
Author: Steve Butcher
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

MOKBEL BARRISTER FACES CONTEMPT INVESTIGATION

THE conviction of missing drug importer Tony Mokbel was highly unusual
and his imminent sentencing undesirable, the Criminal Bar Association
said yesterday.

Association's secretary Gregory Lyon, SC, said sentencing should be
adjourned until Mokbel reappeared so that all the circumstances and
relevant sentencing principles could be taken into account.

Mokbel will be sentenced in the Supreme Court today after a jury found
him guilty of being knowingly concerned in the importation of two
kilograms of pure cocaine from Mexico in late 2000.

The case, which has run for seven weeks, was made remarkable by the
disappearance of the accused, the withdrawal of his legal counsel and
the discharge of a jury member.

Mokbel, who was last seen by police last Sunday week, is now being
hunted by Interpol.

Days before he disappeared, prosecutors asked that his bail be
revoked. Now the Lebanon-born property developer, who speaks Arabic,
is tagged with an Interpol red notice that seeks a warrant for his
arrest.

Former Supreme Court judge George Hampel, former chief magistrate
Michael Adams, QC, and prominent barrister Phil Dunn, QC, told The Age
that the sentencing of a missing person was highly unusual.

Mr Dunn said: "It is unusual but not unique. Our legal system works on
the basis that the accused person should be in court to hear the
evidence. If they are not available because they are sick or absent it
usually stops."
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