Jury to travel from Badgingarra to Moora in retrial of Hayley Dodd murder accused Francis John Wark

The retrial of the man accused of abducting and murdering Hayley Dodd more than two decades ago will literally stop traffic when a jury is taken on a “view” to several key landmarks in the case. Francis John Wark, 64, is accused of snatching the 17-year-old from the side of a remote road near his Badgingarra home on July 29, 1999, before murdering her and dumping her body. The teen’s body remains missing today. After his conviction — decided by a judge-alone — was successfully appealed, Wark, who has always maintained his innocence, is due to face a retrial next month, with a jury this time charged with deciding his fate. A Supreme Court directions hearing today revealed that major planning is under way to take the jury to Badgingarra and Moora — both central to both the prosecution and defence cases — including landmarks along the way. The court was told police would accompany the convoy of jurors, lawyers and Justice Stephen Hall — who is expected to preside over the trial — and roadblocks would be put in place as they stop and inspect each place. Specialist officers from the Justice Department are also expected to be present for security purposes, as Mr Wark has elected to also be present at the view. Also at today’s hearing, both the Director of Public Prosecutions Amanda Forrester, who is now leading the prosecution following her former deputy Carmel Barbagallo’s appointment as a judge, and defence lawyer Darryl Ryan expressed concern about the courtroom that had been set aside for the nine-week trial. The historic courtroom two in WA’s old Supreme Court building is expected to be the trial court, and due to social distancing requirements the jury of 16 will be split up on two sides of the courtroom, which Ms Forrester said was a concern because they would be “divided”. Ms Forrester also raised concerns lawyers will not be able to have all their materials with them because of both a lack of room and security issues – with the person in the dock possibly able to look over to see documents on the rear bar table. “It’s wholly unsatisfactory,” Ms Forrester said. “It’s a really, with respect, impractical courtroom for a lengthy trial with a big brief.” Mr Ryan also said he was concerned about the jury being split, and that some of the jurors would be seated behind him. “I won’t be able to see them, I won’t be able to see if anything is happening behind me,” he said. “That is something that I think is unsatisfactory.” Justice Hall promised to make “enquiries”, but said “the problem is, large courtrooms in this State are at a premium”, saying the few large courtrooms were already being used at the time for other lengthy trials with multiple accused. Mr Wark was remanded in custody ahead of his trial, which is due to start on February 15.