NO DNA evidence of murder-accused Jesse Green has been uncovered by forensics at the home of slain mother Teah Rose Luckwell, his lawyer has told Tamworth court.
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Green’s DNA was found in a home close by where some items had been stolen.
The 27-year-old was charged with killing the 22-year-old in her South Tamworth unit on March 28; a neighbour found her body and reported it to police.
On Wednesday, defence solicitor Frank Falcomata requested more time to continue negotiations with Director of Public Prosecutions solicitor Cat McKay.
Unimpressed with the delay, magistrate Roger Prowse criticised the pair for the lack of movement almost a year since the case landed in court – and apologised to Ms Luckwell’s family on behalf of the justice system.
“Negotiations about what? Parking or something?” Mr Prowse said.
“One of the reasons the other place had such a backlog is that matters are adjourned and people think they need to examine that last grain of sand at the end of a 90-mile beach.
“This matter has been dragging its feet since April 6, 2018. I see no rational explanation or defence as to why it wasn’t dealt with five or six months ago.”
Refusing to delay the matter any further, Mr Prowse gave the defence and prosecution just three hours to return with a decision on Green’s committal hearing.
Green remains in custody at Silverwater Correctional Centre in Sydney and has made no application for bail.
He is yet to enter a plea to a slew of charges including resisting police, damaging property, larceny, using an offensive weapon to commit an indictable offence, and murder.
Police allege Green knew Ms Luckwell before he allegedly attacked and murdered her in her South Tamworth unit on March 28.
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Her body was found by a neighbour from Robert Street before police were alerted about 9.30pm.
Little progress has been made on the case since Green’s arrest on April 5 last year and, in Tamworth Local Court on Wednesday, Mr Prowse demanded action.
“These discussions could and should have been had when forensic material arrived on the desk,” he said.
“It’s not just Mr Green’s interests that need to be looked after; it’s the rest of the people involved as well.
“These delays are inexplicable.”
Mr Prowse granted a four-week adjournment but was visibly exasperated by the lack of movement.
He apologised to Miss Luckwell’s family, Green and members of the broader community for the “egregious abomination”.
The matter will return to court on February 13.
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.
