NAP’s formula for victory

A “suspect” video tape, an ad hoc legal argument, and an unprepared prosecution helped the sixth Northern Territory “Parliament Invader”, Scott White, win an adjournment in the NT Supreme Court yesterday.

Scott flew up from his home in Tasmania several weeks ago for his trial, which was due to begin this week. But during a brief hearing before Chief Justice Brian Martin, Scott argued that the original parliamentary video remained “tainted” and Chief Justice Brian Martin agreed with his request to adjourn the matter.

Scott argued that an affidavit presently being prepared by him and his co-defendants, and the fact that the prosecution’s prime piece of evidence – the Hansard video of the alleged incident in May, 2003 – were sufficient reason for his request.

Justice Martin’s decision is the latest in a string of surprising wins for Scott and his co-defendants, the Network Against Prohibition. Five other “Napatistas” remain free on bail after having been found guilty in the Magistrates Court for their role in the controversial walk-in.

Yesterday while enjoying a beer at a city hotel, Scott was helped by the prosecution when the State’s lawyer passed by and handed him a CD of the audio of the alleged parliamentary video.

Earlier, the video footage of the incident was seen once more and questioned by Scott and fellow Napatista Rob Inder-Smith as well as the prosecution lawyer and an independent NT Supreme Court officer.

They agreed that the video had not been shown during the original Magistrates Court case.