Zachary Rolfe's murder trial over death of Kumanjayi Walker rescheduled for February

The Northern Territory policeman's murder trial over the death of the Indigenous teenager has been rescheduled for February 2022.

Northern Territory Police Constable Zachary Rolfe reacts as he leaves the High Court of Australia in Canberra, Friday, September 10, 2021.

Northern Territory Police Constable Zachary Rolfe reacts as he leaves the High Court of Australia in Canberra, Friday, September 10, 2021. Source: AAP

This article contains references to a deceased Aboriginal person.

The postponed trial of Northern Territory policeman Zachary Rolfe, accused of murdering an Aboriginal teenager during an outback arrest, has been given a new court date.

It's now set to go ahead on 7 February.

The 30-year-old Mr Rolfe has pleaded not guilty to murdering Kumanjayi Walker, 19, in the remote community of Yuendumu in November 2019.

His Supreme Court trial in Darwin has been postponed three times.
It was delayed twice by the COVID-19 pandemic and most recently when the High Court agreed to determine whether Mr Rolfe's legal team can employ the NT's Police Administration Act's immunity clause to defend him.

It provides police officers with protection from prosecution for actions performed in "good faith" during the exercise of official power.

The Crown has challenged this, saying it could leave citizens vulnerable to police abuse or excess if it's permitted.

A pre-trial hearing is also scheduled for 19 November to determine if there are any legal issues that flow on from the High Court judgment.

As well as murder, Mr Rolfe may face the alternative charges of manslaughter and engaging in a violent act causing death.

Mr Rolfe remains on bail.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14, visit lifeline.org.au or find an Aboriginal Medical Service here. Resources for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders can be found at Headspace: Yarn Safe.


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Source: AAP, SBS


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