INVESTIGATORS have been granted more time to gather forensic evidence that is “critical” to the case against the man charged with murdering a Tamworth mother.
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Jesse Leigh Green appeared in Tamworth Local Court via video link from Long Bay Correctional Centre in Sydney where he is being held on seven charges including murder, aggravated break-and-enter, larceny and using an offensive weapon.
He’s accused of killing mother-of-one Teah Luckwell in her Robert Street unit in the early hours of March 28, about 17 hours before the 22-year-old’s body was found by a neighbour.
Green’s solicitor Frank Falcomata said police had “yet to serve the balance of the brief” and there were “a number of statement that haven’t been served”, including forensic evidence.
But he said he had “no criticisms” of the delays.
“I understand that DAL [Division of Analytical Laboratories] usually takes some significant time,” he told the court.
Family members of Miss Luckwell were seated in the court, along with the officer-in-charge of Strike Force Penola – the police operation by Oxley detectives and the crime command’s homicide squad.
DPP solicitor Isabella Maxwell-Williams said the brief items were still being compiled by detectives.
Forensic material that is critically important to the Crown brief.
- DPP solicitor Isabella Maxwell-Williams
“Forensic material that is critically important to the Crown brief,” she told the court, adding “CCTV footage” was still to be collated.
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The court heard the public defender had been briefed on the murder case and Mr Falcomata needed time to consider a forensic procedure application that police had lodged.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Rob Baillie said the defence "wants to discuss, look at the application in detail" but it was “still a matter for hearing”.
Magistrate Julie Soars was told the application – which police seek to obtain DNA or forensic samples from Green – would be argued for about 30 minutes, with Green to be transported to Tamworth for the hearing.
She said Green had “a number of matters” and adjourned the breaches of bonds and charges to November.
“There is still some material to be served, do you understand that, Jesse?" Mr Falcomata asked.
"Yeah righto," Green replied.
He made no application for bail and it was formally refused.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
