Conspiracy trial jury seeks clarification

The jury in the trial of Barminco founder Peter Bartlett and Ausdrill managing director Ron Sayers was granted a request for extra information today as it weighs up the evidence ahead of its verdict.

Messrs Bartlett and Sayers were joined by dozens of family members, friends and work colleagues at the District Court building today, where their 12-week Supreme Court case is being heard.

The men are accused of conspiring with former Barminco director and associate Trevor Thomson and causing a loss to the Commonwealth over a $7 million plus false interest scheme.

Mr Thomson pleaded guilty in 2010 to conspiring to cause a loss to the Commonwealth and received a 13-month minimum sentence.

Last Friday, the jury found fellow accused, tax scheme promoter Greg Dunn, guilty and junior accountant Deborah Grace not guilty, of charges of defrauding the tax office.

Justice Eric Heenan approved a request from the jury of eight women and four men for access to several transcripts from cross-examinations.

Justice Heenan also read from a summation of the case he made last week.

The jury will begin deliberations again tomorrow at 11am.