An accused drug trafficker has made a surprising move in his legal battle, seeking to replace his current legal team with one of Australia's most prominent criminal lawyers.
Court Application for Legal Change
Bradley Berry, who faces serious drug trafficking allegations, appeared in Geelong Magistrates' Court this week seeking permission to change his legal representation. The 41-year-old from Norlane is requesting to appoint high-profile Melbourne lawyer Zarah Garde-Wilson to handle his case.
Court documents reveal that Berry's current matters will return to court on June 25, where Magistrate Ann McGarvie is expected to rule on the application to change legal counsel. The prosecution did not oppose the adjournment, allowing time for the transition if approved.
The Serious Charges
Berry faces multiple serious charges including trafficking a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, also known as ice. The charges stem from an investigation by Geelong's Divisional Response Unit, which alleges Berry was involved in significant drug distribution activities.
Police prosecutors have indicated they will proceed with the case by way of a hand-up brief, a common method where evidence is presented in written form rather than through extensive preliminary hearings. This suggests the prosecution believes they have substantial evidence to support their case.
The High-Profile Lawyer
Zarah Garde-Wilson brings significant notoriety to the case, having represented numerous high-profile clients throughout her career. Her involvement often attracts media attention due to her reputation for vigorously defending clients against serious criminal charges.
The potential lawyer change comes at a critical stage in the proceedings, as the case moves toward its next phase. Legal observers note that such mid-case representation changes can sometimes indicate a shift in defence strategy or dissatisfaction with the current legal approach.
Berry remains before the court as the legal manoeuvring continues, with the June hearing expected to provide clarity on both the representation issue and the future direction of the case. The outcome could significantly impact how the defence approaches the serious drug trafficking allegations.
