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Bassam Hamzy, Martin Churchill drugs trial to begin

Ryan YoungNCA NewsWire
Martin Churchill has been in hospital.
Camera IconMartin Churchill has been in hospital. Credit: NCA NewsWire

After a series of lengthy delays, the trial of Brothers 4 Life gang founder Bassam Hamzy and his former lawyer is expected to begin in Sydney next week.

Hamzy, 43, and Martin Churchill, 65, have been accused of abusing their lawyer-client relationship and working together to supply methylamphetamine between October 2017 and February 2018.

Undated copy pic of prisoner Bassam Hamzy who has been jailed for 21 years for murder. Hamzy has been moved from Goulburn Jail to Lithgow Jail where he is in isolation because a number of dangerous prisoners in Goulburn Jail had converted to Islam. Picture: Supplied
Camera IconBassam Hamzy will return to court next week. Credit: Supplied

The pair were charged in 2019 after police allegedly discovered that Hamzy was using legal calls to arrange the sale of meth while he was an inmate at Goulburn's Supermax prison.

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Hamzy has pleaded not guilty to supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and hindering the apprehension of a person who committed a serious offence.

Mr Churchill has pleaded not guilty to taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime, hindering the apprehension of a person who committed an indictable offence and intimidation.

Bassam Hamzy's former lawyer Martin Churchill.
Camera IconMartin Churchill has been in hospital. Credit: NCA NewsWire
Brothers 4 Life gangster Bassam Hamzy. Picture: NSW Police
Camera IconHamzy when he was arrested. NSW Police Credit: NCA NewsWire

The pair’s case was mentioned briefly on Friday in the NSW District Court where Hamzy appeared dressed in business attire – a far cry from the prison clothing he is most commonly seen in.

The court was told the trial was expected to last eight weeks and both men were ready for it to begin despite Mr Churchill being in hospital after suffering a series of illnesses.

Judge Garry Neilson adjourned the case to Tuesday when it’s expected further pre-trial issues will be discussed.

The trial is expected to begin on Wednesday or Thursday after members of the jury are chosen.

Covid lockdowns and other issues have pushed the trial’s start date back several times after it was originally set to begin in August 2021.

Originally published as Bassam Hamzy, Martin Churchill drugs trial to begin

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