prosecution

Sources familiar with the prosecution’s case told ABC that a central witness’ testimony would make the case “problematic.”

Both the prosecution and defence expected the trial to last just two to three days.

He later apologised to jurors for the "disturbance" as the case resumed and said Mr Hussein did not wish to return in court for the rest of the prosecution opening.

The government has always maintained it is "frustrated" that the trial collapsed and Mr Parkinson's intervention comes after weeks of speculation about why the prosecution could not continue.

When the five-hour hearing finally concluded, the event had the feeling of a partisan house of mirrors, with each side accusing the other of political weaponisation and partisan prosecutions.