Fed: Diamond case adjourned to next year

AAP General News (Australia)
12-24-2003
Fed: Diamond case adjourned to next year

Sports authorities say if gold medal shooter MICHAEL DIAMOND misses an Olympics trial
next month, it'll be virtually impossible for him to compete in Athens.

Assault charges against DIAMOND were expected to have been finalised yesterday, but
they've now been adjourned until next year.

The decision means the Sydney and Atlanta trap shooting champion won't get his firearms
licence back in time for the Olympic trials next month.

NICK SULLIVAN from the Australian Shooting Association says if DIAMOND misses the first
trial, it will be virtually impossible for him to amass enough points from the second
trial to win selection for Athens.

DIAMOND's case before the Queanbeyan Local Court near Canberra has now been adjourned
to January the 20th, when another hearing date will be set.

The Athens Olympic selection trials are set for January the 9th.

DIAMOND is charged with assault causing actual bodily harm against his former girlfriend
and failing to store a firearm properly.

AAP RTV mb/sw/mo/de/gjr/rp/rca

KEYWORD: DIAMOND (CANBERRA)

2003 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.