A Tasmanian mother says court delays in her teenage daughter’s murder case are “killing” her mentally and physically as the accused remains without a trial date almost three years after being charged.
Christopher Jordan, 39, appeared via video link from Risdon Prison at Launceston’s Supreme Court on Thursday without legal representation, despite telling the court he had secured new counsel.
Jordan has pleaded not guilty to murdering 14-year-old Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, who went missing from a Launceston youth hostel in April 2023.
Her remains were found almost three months later off a dirt track at Nabowla, north-east of Launceston. Jordan was arrested the following day.
Crown prosecutor Emily Judd told the court 14 volumes of papers had been filed and the prosecution was ready for a four-to-five-week trial flagged to begin in September.
However, no defence counsel has been formally appointed, adding to countless adjournments that have plagued the case.
Shyanne-Lee’s mother spoke to 7NEWS about her frustration with Tasmania’s justice system.
“It’s killing me, emotionally, mentally,” she said.
“It’s draining me from being a good mum, a good partner, a good daughter, because it’s so consuming.”
“My daughter is on a shelf in her urn.”
The grieving mother said she felt “kicked in the guts” by another adjournment after hoping for a trial date.
“I’m angry at the system,” she said, explaining she feels as if her daughter has been forgotten.
“I’m Shyanne’s voice … all she’s got is me and I fight for her.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff acknowledged there is “more work to do” to resolve delays in courts across the state.
“There are pressures within our justice system and court system of which are being alleviated but there is more work to do.”
“Our attorney-general is leading this work.”
