The Cairns District Court is preparing for a significant two-week session beginning Monday, November 27, with Judge Dean Morzone overseeing proceedings that will address numerous serious criminal matters.
Court Schedule and Key Proceedings
The court listings reveal a busy docket ahead, with multiple cases scheduled for mention and potential trial. The sittings will run from November 27 through December 8, providing crucial court access for matters requiring District Court attention.
Among the scheduled matters is the case of Kane Andrew O'Brien, who faces serious charges including dangerous driving of a motor vehicle and other related offenses. His matter is listed for mention, indicating potential progress toward resolution or trial scheduling.
Another notable case involves Kym James Milne, charged with dangerous driving of a motor vehicle. Like O'Brien, Milne's case is scheduled for mention during the November 27 session.
Understanding Court Procedures
The District Court handles more serious criminal matters than the Magistrates Court, including major indictable offenses and appeals from lower court decisions. The mention listings indicate these cases are at various stages of the judicial process.
Court mentions typically involve procedural matters rather than full trials. They may include setting trial dates, discussing evidence disclosure, or potential plea negotiations. The progression to mention suggests these cases have advanced beyond initial hearings.
The Cairns Courthouse on Sheridan Street will host all proceedings, continuing its role as the region's primary judicial facility for higher-level criminal matters.
Community Impact and Access
Regular court sittings are essential for maintaining timely justice delivery in Far North Queensland. The two-week session allows for efficient handling of cases that require District Court jurisdiction.
Local legal professionals, including defense lawyers and prosecutors, have been preparing for these sittings. The scheduled cases represent only part of the court's workload, with additional matters potentially being added or resolved before court dates.
Public access to court proceedings remains available, though subject to standard courtroom protocols and any specific suppression orders that might apply to individual cases.
The November-December sittings represent one of the final court sessions for 2023, making them particularly important for resolving matters before the year's end.
