Standen's evidence 'fanciful': court

Sydney Morning Herald 

July 26, 2011

Evidence given by former NSW crime fighter Mark Standen about a Dubai meeting with a drug trafficker turned informant and a businessman was "fanciful", a Sydney jury has been told.

Crown prosecutor Tim Game SC alleged the meeting between Standen, major drug trafficker turned informant James Kinch and foodstuffs businessman Bakhos "Bill" Jalalaty was to advance a drug plot.

Standen's lover, Louise Baker, was at the dinner and has told the jury of writing in her diary that Kinch thought "I wasn't to be trusted".

Standen's evidence 'fanciful': court

Evidence given by former NSW crime fighter Mark Standen about a Dubai meeting with a drug trafficker turned informant and a businessman was "fanciful", a Sydney jury has been told.

Crown prosecutor Tim Game SC alleged the meeting between Standen, major drug trafficker turned informant James Kinch and foodstuffs businessman Bakhos "Bill" Jalalaty was to advance a drug plot.

Standen's lover, Louise Baker, was at the dinner and has told the jury of writing in her diary that Kinch thought "I wasn't to be trusted".

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"That does not make any sense unless these people are engaged in various activities," Mr Game said in the crown's closing address in the NSW Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Standen, 54, denies conspiring with Kinch and Jalalaty, between early 2006 and June 2008, to import pseudoephedrine, which is used to make the drugs speed and ice.

He also has pleaded not guilty to taking part in the supply of 300kg of the substance and conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

Mr Game said Standen claimed the January 2007 Dubai meeting was to be a "celebration" of the first dividends to be paid from an investment.

He described this account as "fanciful", noting the significance of a face-to-face meeting between Standen, Kinch and Jalalaty.

The jury could infer the meeting provided them with an opportunity to discuss things such as setting up Hotmail accounts for their communications.

Mr Game also referred to Ms Baker's diary entry.

"Why would Mr Kinch assume she was not trustworthy?" he said.

"Obviously it had been a matter of displeasure to Mr Kinch that Mr Standen turned up with Mr Baker, because how will they have a conversation about their activities in the presence of Louise Baker?"

He noted Ms Baker said she asked Standen about Kinch's concern and was told it was because she worked in law enforcement.

"Well, Mr Standen works with law enforcement.

"She was a monitor for the Crime Commission. Mr Standen was one of the two heads of investigation."

Mr Game said when he asked Standen why Kinch would be nervous about her, he replied: "You will have to ask him".

Standen also gave evidence saying Kinch may have been worried on Standen's behalf.

"It does not make sense, the unease is about the various activities taking place," Mr Game said.

The trial is continuing before Justice Bruce James.