THE man accused of the stabbing murder of an Armidale plumber will remain behind bars as solicitors seek specialist medical reports for him.
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Andrew John Osmand did not appear in Armidale Local Court for the brief mention of his case, where barrister Kirk Dailly told the court he had been briefed to appear in the matter.
Detectives allege Osmand, 48, fatally stabbed Kenneth Hodges between June 21 and June 22, on a property on the outskirts of Armidale.
“I saw him last week in custody,” Mr Dailly told the court
I saw him last week in custody.
- Barrister Kirk Dailly
“Some additional brief items have been served this morning, there are still brief items outstanding,” Mr Dailly said.
Magistrate Michael Holmes granted an adjournment for detectives to compile the evidence, with the case to return to court in December.
Mr Dailly said his client had an appointment with a psychiatrist and he was hopeful a report would be ready by that date “to indicate hopefully where the matter will be going".
Family members for Mr Hodges were in court, along with the officer-in-charge of Strike Force Kinsella – the police operation investigating the alleged murder.
"Bail is not applied for, bail is refused,” Mr Holmes said.
Detectives allege Osmand stabbed the 43-year-old during an incident at the house on Dangars Falls Rd at Dangarsleigh, sometime between 6.50pm on June 21 and 8.30am the next day.
Police responded to a triple zero call and arrested Osmand at the property the pair were both staying at, on the morning of June 22.
He has been in custody since his arrest.