Arabic version: محامو غوسلينغ يطلبون سحب تهم الاعتداء

According to ABC News, lawyers for federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling will ask prosecutors to withdraw two assault charges linked to allegations involving Northern Territory Administrator David Connolly. Defence barrister Marty Aust SC told the Darwin Local Court there was “insufficient evidence to support the charges”.

Mr Gosling, a Labor MP, did not attend the brief hearing in person. He faces two counts of assault over an incident at the NT Thailand Grand Festival in July. He has strenuously denied the allegations and said he will contest the charges if they are not withdrawn.

Mr Aust said the defence had received 22 civilian statements, one police statement and 19 CCTV files. He said statements from five officials attached to the Thai embassy had not yet been received, and argued they would clear Mr Gosling. He also told the court there was no eyewitness to the alleged event, apart from Mr Connolly’s wife, whose account he said described a different place, time and incident.

Prosecutor Joanne Poole said the new prosecution team needed more time to conduct enquiries. Sophie Callan SC recently took over the case after the Northern Territory Director of Public Prosecutions declined to prosecute, citing a perceived conflict of interest. Police were obtaining further witness statements, the court heard.

Mr Gosling was also charged last month with breaching bail conditions. Since that charge, he has stepped aside as special envoy for defence, veterans’ affairs and northern Australia. He is due to return to court next month on the bail matter and in November for a further assault-charge appearance.