Judge Coolahan gave the warning while discussing pretrial issues yesterday with a prosecutor and a defendant's barrister.

The trial is one of several listed at Newcastle in the coming weeks.

The court heard that a relatively inexperienced female general duties officer had not provided information to defence lawyers.

No reason was given as to why the officer had not co-operated.

If the material was not forthcoming, Judge Coolahan said he would issue a warrant for Commissioner Andrew Scipione's arrest on Monday so Commissioner Scipione could be brought before the court to explain why.

Judge Coolahan said he didn't know if the officer valued her career, but he didn't think it would do her any favours if the Commissioner faced court to explain her actions.