Lawyer charged with justice interference allowed overseas travel

A lawyer named Sarah Tricarico has received permission to travel overseas for a family holiday after her bail conditions were changed. She is facing charges for attempting to obstruct justice and appeared in a Melbourne court for the first time since her arrest. Tricarico, 38, and another person, Youssef Raffoul, 33, were charged last week during an international law enforcement operation. Their lawyer, Dermot Dann, told the court that Tricarico intends to contest the charges and is also addressing her suspension from practicing law in Australia. Supporters gathered outside the court and expressed anger toward the media. Prosecutor Rose George requested extra time to prepare evidence against Tricarico and Raffoul, but the magistrate denied that request. Tricarico’s lawyer highlighted that they have not received key details on the allegations. Prosecutor George noted there is no digital evidence or CCTV footage available for the case. Both Tricarico and Raffoul are out on bail, but Raffoul has stricter conditions, such as surrendering his passport and avoiding contact with witnesses. Tricarico’s legal troubles have caused her to step back from a major appeal case involving drug lord Tony Mokbel. In Victoria, the penalty for attempting to pervert justice can be as severe as 25 years in prison. The next court date for this case is set for June.