A new magistrate has been appointed to the Port Macquarie Local Court.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Georgina Darcy will commence duties on January 20, 2020. She replaces Magistrate Jennifer Price.
Ms Darcy was appointed to the bench of Australia's busiest court - the Local Court of NSW - in 2018.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said Ms Darcy has a wealth of experience in the Local Court and will be welcome additions to the bench.
Ms Darcy has worked at Legal Aid NSW for the past 13 years, with her recent roles including Deputy Director of the Criminal Law Division and Solicitor in Charge of the Parramatta Justice Precinct Office.
Earlier in her career, she was an Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) solicitor and a clerk at some of Sydney's busiest Local Courts.
Ms Darcy obtained Bachelors of Laws and Arts from the University of NSW and a Master of Arts (Journalism) from the University of Wollongong.
David O'Neil was also appointed to the Local Court of NSW bench at the same time as Ms Darcy.
"Mr O'Neil is an accomplished barrister who has practised law for more than three decades, while Ms Darcy is among the most senior and well-respected lawyers at Legal Aid NSW," Mr Speakman said.
Mr O'Neil is a foundation member of Maurice Byers Chambers. His principal areas of practice include criminal, work health and safety (WHS), liquor and coronial law.
Before joining the Bar in 1997, Mr O'Neil operated a solicitor's practice in Sydney's inner west for 11 years.
He was admitted as a solicitor in 1982 after obtaining a Bachelor of Laws from the University of NSW.
The two new magistrates joined the bench after swearing in ceremonies on Monday, November 26 2018.
The Port Macquarie Local Court has experienced a somewhat chequered past with former magistrate Dominique Burns referred to the NSW Parliament after accusations of improper judicial conduct.
She announced her retirement in May 2019 before a final judgement could be handed down.
Ms Burns went on sick leave from Port Macquarie Local Court in March 2017 and has been suspended from duty as a local court magistrate since June 2017.
Magistrate Darcy will take up the role - replacing Magistrate Jennifer Price - on January 20, 2020.
Also making news:
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.
