Pantano v The Queen

This matter came before the High Court of Australia concerning an application by Mr Pantano to remove his solicitor from the record. Mr Pantano was not present, and his legal representative, Ms Johnson, arrived late due to difficulties locating the court registry. Mr Irvin appeared for the respondent, instructed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, New South Wales.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether to proceed with the matter in Mr Pantano's absence and in circumstances where his solicitor sought to be removed from the record. The Court also considered the procedural steps required to ascertain Mr Pantano's wishes regarding his appeal and the potential for an order to be made ex parte.

The Court noted that Mr Pantano had been duly notified of the proceedings and the issue at hand. Given his absence and the lack of any communication from him, and with Ms Johnson not opposing the course of action, the Court indicated that an order could be made as sought. The Court clarified that the application before it was specifically for the removal of the solicitor from the record, and any further action, such as dismissing the appeal for want of prosecution, would require a separate application.