A man accused sexually assaulting a child, has sat in the back corner of Batemans Bay Local Court listening to his lawyer being berated for sending a paralegal to represent him on .
Magistrate Bryan Robinson was unimpressed when the law firm officer dialled into the court from his mobile phone at another court.
The child sex abuse matter against the man, who we are not allowed to name, was put aside until an actual lawyer appeared by audio visual link around 90 minutes later.
Magistrate Johnson told her a solicitor had to appear before him, not a paralegal.
She apologised then with agreement from the prosecutor successfully requested a four-week adjournment so talks with the prosecution on the charges could continue.
The lawyer told he must be present in court next time his matter is listed.
The lawyer for the accused, also asked if her client could be excused when the case returns to court next month.
But Magistrate Robinson rejected the application telling the man to ensure he turned up.
The matter will be mentioned again on December 15.
