A coroner has committed to doing her “best” to ensure the inquest into Robert Charles Mansell’s disappearance continues, despite a lawyer needing to withdraw due to a conflict of interest.
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The inquest is looking into what happened to Mr Mansell while fishing on Flinders Island in 2015.
It was believed the 42-year-old slipped at Salmon Rocks and fell into the water while fishing with his friend Joshua Kennedy.
Mr Kennedy’s initial report to police came into question when the inquest began in March this year.
As a result the inquest was put on hold so police could reinvestigate the case.
Coroner Olivia McTaggart was forced to adjourn the inquest until September 26 after Mr Kennedy’s lawyer asked to withdraw.
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Aboriginal Community Legal Service lawyer Ben Ashman told the inquest he had only received the case file three weeks ago and he didn’t feel comfortable representing his client.
The lawyer told the inquest he was privileged to information about a witness due to give evidence on Tuesday and he needed to “do the right thing by Mr Kennedy” because of the “serious nature” of the inquest’s potential findings.
Coroner McTaggart granted Mr Ashman’s leave to withdraw, but said in the past six months someone without conflict should’ve been ready to represent Mr Kennedy.
“This inquest has been set for many months and the family needs closure,” she said.
Coroner McTaggart apologised to Mr Mansell’s brother Anthony Haines, who was present at the inquest, about the delay.
The inquest will continue on Wednesday.
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