Baden-Clay Murder Trial: Cause of Delay Upsets Brisbane Magistrate

Police gathers more than 300 statements, to get 100 more

Gerard Baden-Clay will have to stay longer in prison until proven guilty due to delay in a full auditing report, an announcement that upset a Brisbane magistrate. Prosecutor Danny Boyle told the court on Monday that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions already has 330 witness statements. But it could take up to five months for a forensic accountant with Queensland Police to complete a report on Mr Baden-Clay's financial affairs.

Baden-Clay, 41, is accused for the murder of his wife Allison, the mother of their three children. He reported Allison missing on April 20. Allison's body was found dead ten days later under the Kholo Creek bridge, not far from their family home.

"I can't believe for any minute that it would take five months for an investigative accountant to look into the affairs of one defendant," said Brisbane magistrate Chris Callaghan.

In response to Mr Callaghan's statement, Mr Boyle argued the accountant's statement was a "discreet matter."

Mr Boyle added police were currently gathering 50 to 100 more witness statements in relation to the Baden-Clay murder case.

Mr Baden-Clay's solicitor, Darren Mahony, also expressed frustration over the delay.

"I don't want there to be any delay in provision of other material, because we're waiting on the statement of one accountant," he said.

After hearing the counsels, Mr Callaghan ordered that the brief of evidence be handed to Mr Baden-Clay's legal team by August 20. This brief will include statements from witnesses, but it will exclude the statement from the forensic accountant.

Mr Callaghan further ordered Mr Baden-Clay to appear in his court again on September 3. He was reportedly expected to appear in court Monday via video link.

Court documents have previously disclosed that Mr Baden-Clay's debts has reached about $1 million. If vindicated, he could get an estimated $960,000 from his wife's life insurance and superannuation policies.

Meanwhile, Nigel Baden-Clay, the father of the accused, has applied for a direct access to his son, Herald Sun reports.

The senior Baden-Clay has already visited his son at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre on a "non-contact" visit, which means they could talk but they were separated by glass.

Police earlier noted that Gerard called his father on the midnight before he reported his wife missing. This does not reconcile with Gerard's earlier statement that he slept at 10:00 and woke up without Allison by his side.