McGees answer charges ‘under protest’ Friday, 7 October 2005. 17:41 (AEST)

Adelaide lawyer Eugene McGee and his brother have been excused from attending their first Adelaide Magistrates Court hearing on charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Eugene Norman McGee, 51, and 55-year-old Craig Patrick McGee were charged after recommendations made by the Kapunda Road Royal Commission.

The lawyer for the pair, Jon Lister, told the court his clients were answering the charge “under protest”. He requested the Director of Public Prosecutions provide him with a full summary of evidence against his clients.

The McGee brothers are alleged to have attempted to pervert the course of justice in the hours after Eugene hit and killed cyclist Ian Humphrey in November 2003. It is alleged Craig McGee conspired with his brother to evade authorities before police arrested Eugene more than six hours after the fatal hit-run.

Magistrate Joseph Baldino ordered the McGees present themselves to the court within seven days to sign a bail agreement, and adjourned the matter until next month.