The alleged lovers were arrested after Tarrant’s partner Alois Rez disappeared from a house in Alfred Street, West Dubbo, in July last year.

Police believe the 33-year-old father of four met with foul play and continue to search for his remains.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has told Magistrate Andrew Eckhold defence lawyers were seeking a total of 35 witnesses.

“About 8 or 9 are in common,” the prosecutor said.

“The brief of evidence is very voluminous.”

Roff and Tarrant did not appear in court in person when murder charges were mentioned on  Wednesday. 

Tarrant’s legal representative said a number of Crown witnesses were sought.

“We seek witnesses that could say something about my client and the deceased,” he said.

“We seek cross-examination to gain a better understanding of what they know.”

The solicitor representing Roff presented the same application for access to witnesses.

Magistrate Eckhold set September 25 as the date for argument on which witnesses should be cross-examined.

Supreme Court bail continues for Tarrant. Roff remains on remand at Goulburn Correctional Centre.

Prosecution facts previously tendered to the court have outlined grisly allegations about the death of Mr Rez and the struggle Tarrant and Roff are alleged to have experienced as they loaded his lifeless body into the back of Roff’s Great Wall four-wheel-drive.

Police said Mr Rez and Tarrant had been in a nine-year relationship.

The couple moved to Dubbo about two years ago and purchased a house in Alfred Street. They lived with a number of children, Mr Rez’s mother and a house mate. Roff, a family friend, was a frequent visitor.

Detectives allege Tarrant and Roff formed a close bond which turned into a sexual relationship some time in April/May last year.

Police facts allege Tarrant and Mr Rez were involved in an alleged domestic incident on July 24 during which Tarrant allegedly sent a message to Roff asking him to ring police.

Prosecution facts said Roff called 000 and made a report. Police attended the Alfred Street house and were told nothing had occurred.

Police spoke to Roff at his residence where a number of mobile phone messages were allegedly viewed.

Police allege Roff and Tarrant communicated by mobile phone over the next four days.

At 1pm on July 28 Tarrant drove Mr Rez’s mother to the Dubbo railway station. She caught the XPT to Sydney, planning to stay for several days.

On August 1 Mr Rez’s mother tried to contact her son without success. She called Tarrant who is alleged to have stated Rez was missing.

The mother boarded the next train to Dubbo and upon arrival went to the police station to report her son as missing.

The following day Strike Force Cornelius commenced an investigation. Detectives went to the Alfred Street house and obtained statements from family members and witnesses.

Roff is alleged to have told police the Rebels outlawed motorcycle gang was responsible for the disappearance of Mr Rez.

On August 4 a crime scene warrant was issued for the Alfred Street house. The property was forensically examined and exhibits were seized.

On August 7 police seized Roff’s vehicle. Examination allegedly revealed a large quantity of blood in the rear compartment. Police allege the amount of blood was consistent with significant injury.

On August 9 investigators made an application to Dubbo Local Court for search warrants for Roff’s home in Fitzroy Street and his rural property on Sappa Bulga Road.

The court was told detectives found an unsecured 0.22 calibre firearm. Items including mobile phones, computers and medication were seized.

Tarrant and Roff were charged with murder. Roff also faces firearm charges.