A woman accused of helping her boyfriend flee interstate after an alleged stabbing murder on Beaumont Street almost two years ago has still not entered a plea.
An application to adjourn Teelah Cooper's case in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday came after such significant delays in the case that her lawyer filed an affidavit explaining why.
Solicitor Melissa Huseyin appeared on video link when she said two more weeks were needed before the case could progress.
Ms Huseyin said Cooper's legal team needed to have a final meeting with her to resolve an outstanding issue before she could either plead guilty or not guilty.
Ms Huseyin told the court she understood the matter had a long history, but there had been difficulties in aligning the availabilities of lawyers.
Cooper, now aged 30, faces charges of being an accessory after the fact to murder and concealing a serious offence.
She is accused of assisting her boyfriend, Ryan Sampson, after 22-year-old James Callahan was allegedly murdered on Beaumont Street at Hamilton on November 17, 2024.
She allegedly drove Sampson away from the scene of the deadly stabbing, sold the car and fled to Queensland with him.
Judge Caleb Franklin said the basis of the adjournment application was that there had been some "in principle agreement" to the charge that would proceed but there remained an issue in dispute.
Judge Franklin said an affidavit had been filed on behalf of Cooper's legal representative, though she was not required for cross-examination.
He said the affidavit set out the history of the matter, including the regrettable delays, which were not all attributable to Cooper.
Judge Franklin said the trial date in Newcastle Supreme Court for multiple co-accused was not until October 2027 so a two-week adjournment for Cooper would not delay their progress.
Judge Franklin said written submissions must be filed before 9am on Wednesday, September 23, if there were any further applications for adjournments.
Sampson, Jason Talbot, George Fernando, Dianne Fernando and Frank Allen pleaded not guilty to murder over the death of Mr Callahan and will face an eight-week trial next year.
Sampson's sister, Alivia Muriel Briggs, stabbed Mr Callahan in the chest during the attack and has pleaded guilty to murder. She will be sentenced in Newcastle Supreme Court in February.
Police have said Mr Callahan was eating a meal after work about 2.15am when he made a comment to a group of people about littering.
He was then allegedly assaulted, followed down Beaumont Street and ambushed by people who shouted "smash him" and "kill him" as they stabbed, punched, kicked and struck him with a metal pole in a savage attack captured on CCTV.
Mr Callahan, who was remembered as an avid fisherman, environmentalist and a loving son, brother and friend, tragically died.
Cooper, the last of those charged to remain before the local court, is expected to enter a plea in two weeks.
