AN ATTEMPTED murder charge has been dropped against the man accused of the violent stabbing of an associate in Coledale in 2016.
Aubrey Michael Flick was due to stand trial but on Monday pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm (GBH) with the intent to cause GBH.
Flick faced Tamworth District Court for an arraignment hearing in a white collared shirt, shaking the hand of his barrister, public defender Stuart Bouveng.
Detectives allege Flick stabbed a 38-year-old man who was known to him more than 20 times in the torso, leg, hands and shoulder area.
“Aubrey Michael Flick, you stand charged by that name that on August 17, 2016 in Tamworth in the state of NSW you did cause grievous bodily harm to Alan Lawson with the intent to murder Alan Lawson,” Judge Jeffery McLennan said.
“Not guilty,” Flick replied, looking to members of his family seated in the gallery.
The Crown prosecutor accepted a plea of guilty to the lesser charge of grievous bodily harm with intent to cause GBH – carrying a maximum of 25 years’ imprisonment.
“When Your Honour considers giving a 25 per cent discount, I can indicate the Crown would argue against such a discount under the circumstances,” the prosecutor said.
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Detectives had alleged Flick stabbed the man multiple times in Sue Crescent before assaulting a police officer during the arrest.
It was the Crown case that Flick stabbed with the intent to kill in August 2016, but the charge was withdrawn.
Flick remains in custody on the charge, with further medical reports to be tendered to the court.
Before he was taken back into custody, 32-year-old Flick turned to the two men seated in the gallery to say goodbye.
“Love you,” one man told Flick, to which he replied: “Love you more, brother,” and was led back to the cells.
Judge McLennan asked for all relevant material to be tendered ahead of sentencing in November.
“The accused is to be brought here to Tamworth District Court in person,” Judge McLennan said.
The court heard he would allow the Crown prosecutor to cross-examine the doctor providing Flick’s medical reports via audio-visual link.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
