A PLEA deal is on the table for the woman charged with the murder of her de facto partner Mathew Dunbar.
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Natasha Darcy, 42, allegedly staged the suicide of the grazier by putting a plastic bag over his head and gassing him with helium after she fed him a cocktail of sedatives she blended in a Nutribullet.
The Walcha woman appeared via video link in Tamworth Local Court on Wednesday, charged with the murder police allege took place on August 2, 2017.
"I have a letter from her legal representative, this matter was initially listed for committal hearing today but an application has now been made for an adjournment," DPP solicitor Cat McKay said.
"A plea offer has been made and prosecution needs time to consider that offer."
That plea deal is being considered by the Department of Public Prosecutions, the court heard.
Traces of the sedatives, including a ram sedative, consumed by Mr Dunbar were allegedly found in an unwashed cup.
A plea offer has been made and prosecution needs time to consider that offer.
- DPP solicitor Cat McKay
Darcy's legal representatives have argued she did not make the cocktail during an application for bail that was denied in the NSW Supreme Court in January.
Police allege Darcy made internet searches using the terms 'euthanasia device', 'helium-filled exit bag' and 'suicide bag' in the days before Mr Dunbar's death was reported to police by Darcy at about 2am on August 2, 2017.
It is the police case that Darcy allegedly searched 'murder by injection', 'the science of getting away with murder', '99 undetectable poisons', and 'arsenic'.
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Barrister Tracey Randall previously told the court that Darcy's Apple ID was synced with multiple devices in the home so the search history could have been made by someone else.
Ms Randall appeared in court via video link.
"I should just indicate for the record that representations to the DPP are currently being considered," she said.
Counsel were granted an adjournment to June to consider Darcy's offer, bail was not applied for and was refused.
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.
