A former soldier once accused of leading a “so-called cult” continues facing stigma despite more charges being dropped, his lawyer says.
James-Robert Davis, 43, has had dozens of charges withdrawn in the years following his arrest, when Australian Federal Police claimed he referred to himself "as the patriarch of a group known as the 'House of Cadifor'" and had allegedly manipulated a woman for a "so-called cult".
He was initially charged with modern slavery offences under the Commonwealth criminal code, which were later withdrawn.
During an unsuccessful bail application in 2021, a barrister told the court any jury judging Davis would require "a lengthy and detailed examination of polyamorous relationships and BDSM" describing "a lifestyle not lived by everybody".
Crown solicitor Jason Rafeeq told the Downing Centre District Court there would be no further proceedings on several charges on Tuesday and court dates scheduled in January had been vacated.
Costs will be sought with an application scheduled in May.
Davis returns to the local court later in January accused of assault and stalking and intimidation offences.
Bannisters Lawyers senior solicitor Gemma Ridley told AAP the eight charges withdrawn on Tuesday were among 65 others against Davis that had been withdrawn.
The prosecution decision to withdraw charges including sexual intercourse without consent, animal cruelty and assault allegations was a “commendable and appropriate one”, Ms Ridley said.
“Whilst the outcome is a relief for Mr Davis, it is important to acknowledge that he was bail refused on these charges for over 20 months,” she told AAP.
But she said the withdrawal of charges could not redress the stigma attached to Davis having faced “serious and salacious allegations”.
“The publicity of the allegations will have lasting effects which cannot be remedied by the charges being withdrawn,” Ms Ridley said.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed no further proceedings but declined to comment on the withdrawal of charges in the district court citing legal professional privilege on Tuesday.
A number of the dropped charges were “Table 2” offences, meaning prosecutors can elect to take them to the district court, rather than having them heard in the local court where the maximum sentence is two years.
Davis was arrested in Armidale in the NSW Northern Tablelands in March 2021 before being released on bail in December 2022.
His arrest came after assistance to the AFP from the ABC’s Four Corners program.
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