Call to move Trinity case

Trinity Bates

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LAWYERS for the accused murderer of eight-year-old Trinity Bates are considering applying to have the case moved away from Bundaberg to ensure he will have a fair trial.

Allyn John Slater, 21, is accused of murdering the schoolgirl after taking her from her Walkervale home in February last year.

During a brief mention of the matter in the Bundaberg Supreme Court yesterday, his lawyers gave the first indication they wished to have the matter moved.

“It is anticipated that there may be an application for a change of venue,” defence barrister Robert East said.

No reason for the possible application for the move was given to the court, but the case sparked a huge amount of media interest, particularly in Bundaberg.

In the wake of Trinity's death, the Bundaberg community held a candlelight vigil and, after Slater was arrested for her murder, a number of hate groups were created on Facebook.

Mr East also sought to have the matter mentioned at the next Bundaberg Supreme Court sittings, which are anticipated to be in early May.

But Justice Duncan McMeekin wished to have the matter ready to proceed to trial in May.

The matter was adjourned for a further mention next week.

Justice McMeekin said he hoped to determine when the matter would be ready to go ahead when defence barrister Carl Heaton, who will be trying the case, returns to work next week.

The mention yesterday was the first time the matter had been heard since it was committed to trial in March this year.

The prosecution took the opportunity to formally hand up the indictment.

Slater remains in custody.