Friday, 9 February, 2007

ABC NT Local News

A Northern Territory Supreme Court judge has disqualified himself from considering a mining entrepreneur's claim over lucrative uranium deposits in central Australia.

Justice Stephen Southwood acted as Norm McCleary's barrister in a similar case more than a decade ago.

Mr McCleary pegged a midnight claim at the Angela and Pamela Deposits near Alice Springs last December.

He believes he beat dozens of mining companies and is taking his case to the Supreme Court.

His lawyer today told the court that 13 years ago Justice Southwood had acted as barrister for Mr McCleary and two of the witnesses he planned to call.

Justice Southwood said when he was his barrister he would occasionally have a beer with Mr McCleary and one of the witnesses in his chambers after court.

Justice Southwood said he was satisfied there was an apprehension of bias and disqualified himself from further hearing the case.

The matter will now be heard by Justice Trevor Riley on Monday.