Daryl Wraith, a barrister for more than 40 years, yesterday described the delays in the Bendigo County Court as “disgraceful”.

He was speaking before Judge Jeanette Morrish in the County Court.

“I have some matters here, I don’t anticipate them being reached for at least five years,” Mr

Wraith said.

“It really is deplorable.”

He told the court a 65-year-old man charged with raping his wife may not have his case heard for 10 years. He said later his client might die before having his case heard.

Forty-seven cases are awaiting trial dates in the local county court. The court sat 10 times last year, and Mr Wraith said only one or two trials were heard during a sitting period.

“If you have a trial hanging over your head, it can be terrible,” he said.

“I have a constant message from the accused I represent that they want to have it over and done with.

“It is a scandal.

“Justice delayed is justice denied, from all points of view.”

Judge Morrish, who was presiding via videolink, said it would be “ridiculous” if some Bendigo County Court matters had to be moved to Melbourne.

But she said cases may have to be moved to Shepparton and Wangaratta to reduce delays.

One case yesterday was rescheduled to be heard at Wangaratta in June, after it appeared the case would not be heard in Bendigo for more than a year.

Mr Wraith asked Judge Morrish if Attorney-General Rob Hulls had been made aware of Bendigo’s predicament, to which she replied that she would not weigh into politics.

“(The delays are) not a complete surprise,” Judge Morrish said.

“The registry has also expressed concern.”

Mr Hulls said an independent evaluation of sexual assault reforms would analyse the impact on the County Court.

The 2006-07 reforms mean sexual assault cases are given priority over other cases.

“The County Court is investigating further ways to address delays at the Bendigo Court,” Mr Hulls said.