By Verity Edwards - January 05, 2006
AN alleged cannabis smuggler photographed with Schapelle Corby has refused to clear her name or explain how and when photographs of the two were taken.
Malcolm Christopher McCauley, 60, appeared in Adelaide's Elizabeth Magistrates Court yesterday following a raid in which police seized 15kg of cannabis, almost $60,000 and photographs of him with Corby.
Mr McCauley's lawyer, Robert Harrap, told The Australian his client would not attempt to clear Corby's name or comment about the photos because it was "not in his best interests".
"These photos were seized in relation to the matter he's facing in court," Mr Harrap said.
"Ms Corby's trials and tribulations are a separate matter."
Mr Harrap said that while Mr McCauley could prove where the photos were taken, he would not speak publicly about them.
"That may well frustrate other people, particularly members of the Corby family, but I'm not acting for them. I'm acting for Mr McCauley."
Corby's mother, Rosleigh Rose, said she was given copies of the photographs last month and that they were taken in Bali after her daughter's arrest.
She said Mr McCauley was one of two tourists photographed with Corby in Bali. She said they had approached her and asked to visit her daughter in jail in April or May.
Ms Rose said it was up to Mr McCauley to come forward and that she would not pressure him.
"He should come forward if he wants to but he's probably got family and grandkids and they probably don't want them to know," Ms Rose said.
"I would prefer him to (come forward)."
Ms Rose has been unable to hand her copy of the photographs to Balinese prosecutors, Corby's lawyer or the judge because they have all been on holiday.
"It shows proof ... this was the only lie I could really prove," she said. "I was in some of the photos."
Mr McCauley, from Salisbury North, appeared in court charged with taking part in the sale of a controlled substance between November 19 and November 25 last year.
His home was one of several properties in South Australia and Queensland raided in a joint operation to crack an alleged drug-smuggling ring.
Corby was arrested at Denpasar airport in October 2004, after 4.1kg of marijuana was found in her bodyboard bag.
She was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years in jail, with an Appeal Court decision later cutting five years from the sentence.
Mr McCauley's case was adjourned until mid-February.
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