An Olympic gold medallist and his wife are free to return overseas while they await a decision on whether they will stand trial in Queensland over an alleged multimillion-dollar business fraud.
Neil and Linda Brooks faced a two-day committal hearing in Brisbane on one count each of fraud by dishonestly inducing delivery of property to the value of, or over, $5,000.
Mr and Ms Brooks allegedly made dishonest representations about the success and value of their sports merchandise business in 2008, to induce investors to spend $2 million to become equal part-owners in the since-failed venture.
Two police officers who were involved in the investigation gave evidence in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.
Detective Sergeant Derek Harris, who took over the case at a later stage, was questioned extensively by the Brooks' lawyer Chris Wilson about witness statements.
He agreed with Mr Wilson that one witness had initially been unwilling to provide a formal statement to police, and it took 10 months for them to sign a sworn copy after a draft was initiated.
"He was reluctant because he didn't want to get involved," he said.
"He just wanted to move on because the time had passed."
Detective Sergeant Harris told the court the witness had "changed his mind on his own volition" and it was "not a case of me forcing or pressuring anyone".
"You [Mr Wilson] think I've somehow tried to force him to provide a statement" he said.
"He did it on his own free will … my understanding is he did it to support Glen [Melcheck]."
'I did not facilitate their responses'
The court heard Detective Sergeant Harris was aware the officer involved in the case before him had provided that same witness with details from Mr Melcheck's statement in the draft version.
Mr Wilson put to the Detective Sergeant he also provided Mr Melcheck with "suggestions of things to include" in his statement, after the Brooks' defence team questioned certain details.
"I believe when I asked him to amend his statement, I asked him to provide more information," Detective Sergeant Harris said.
"I asked him to provide more detail on particular points."
Detective Sergeant Harris told the court "there was a finger pointed at me" about being "in cahoots" with the witnesses, and he denied this in a formal statement.
"I did not facilitate their responses provided," he said in the statement.
During his cross-examination Detective Sergeant Harris told the court the Brooks had allegedly defrauded another business partner, but immediately retracted the statement and apologised when challenged about why they had not been charged over that.
Acting senior sergeant Lisa Byrne also took the stand and was asked by Mr Wilson why she provided a witness with details of Mr Melcheck's statement early in the investigation and was accused of "inserting evidence".
"Not full evidence, no," she said.
"What I am asking him there, is his comments on that version."
When it was put to her by Mr Wilson that providing the witness with that information was "entirely improper", she disagreed.
"No it's not," she said.
"What I have asked him for, is to clarify what I needed more information on."
The matter has been adjourned for at least a month while the Brooks' lawyers make submissions in writing to have the charges formally dropped.
Mr and Mrs Brooks, who are on bail, are free to return to their home in Indonesia while the case progresses.
Outside court Mr Brooks said he was "quite emotional" but "it's great to have our story heard".
"We're happy how it went," he said.
"We're very confident of the system."
