The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) has withdrawn its charges against Shane Douglas Heal.

Mr Heal faced three charges of fraud (refer: 16-396MR). His trial had been due to start on Monday 14 May 2018 in the Brisbane District Court.

The withdrawal of charges occured when a crucial Crown witness who resides in the United States of America advised the Crown that he was unable to attend the trial to give evidence.  On 11 May 2018 the CDPP sought to adjourn the trial to a date when the Crown witness would be available to attend, but that application was refused by the Brisbane District Court.

The Crown were unable to continue the prosecution without that crucial Crown witness so a nolle prosequi was entered by the Crown.  Mr Heal was discharged by the judge.

Editor's note:

A nolle prosequi is a formal notice by the prosecutor to the judge that they will no longer prosecute.