Ex Geraldton taxi driver James Michael Greenup to stand trial next year on machete attack charges

A former taxi driver accused of slicing a passenger’s throat with a machete will not stand trial until next year after the matter was put off this week. James Michael Greenup, 51, appeared on Monday in Geraldton District Court, where the matter was initially listed as the priority three trial for the current circuit. Judge Christopher Stevenson gave precedence to a six-day trial and a three-day trial, saying Mr Greenup’s matter would be the first priority on August 15, 2022. Mr Greenup pleaded not guilty in June to causing grievous bodily harm to alleged victim Charlie Collard. Police allege Mr Greenup picked up Mr Collard and several other passengers in his taxi on Marine Terrace about 1.40am on March 23. Previously, Sgt Beau Jones told Geraldton Magistrates Court the other passengers were dropped off before the two men allegedly got into an “altercation” and Mr Greenup pulled a machete from under his seat, cutting Mr Collard’s jugular vein. Mr Collard spent days fighting for his life in hospital.