Kudla murder accused Keith Yandle switches lawyer, casting uncertainty over plea bargain deal

The alleged Kudla shed murderer has switched lawyers mid-case, from father to son, in a decision that throws into question a plea bargain deal.

The shed at Kudla in which SA Police located the body of missing man Steven Murphy. Picture: 7 NEWS

The father accused of executing defenceless man Steven Murphy has changed lawyers mid-case, throwing into jeopardy the plea bargain deal that spared his son a murder charge.

On Thursday, Keith Yandle was scheduled to face the Adelaide Magistrates Court and enter his pleas to allegations including murder and disposing of a body.

It was his second such hearing – last month his lawyer, Craig Caldicott, asked his client’s case be adjourned amid continuing negotiations with prosecutors.

Mr Caldicott told the court it was his hope, and that of prosecutors, that the negotiations would mean the case would resolve without the need for a trial.

The negotiations also saw Mr Yandle’s co-accused – his son, Marco – plead guilty to the lesser charge of assisting an offender.

In exchange, prosecutors dropped the murder charge against Marco. There is no suggestion Marco’s plea will be affected.

On Thursday, however, the court heard Mr Yandle was no longer being represented by Mr Caldicott – and had instead hired his former lawyer’s son, James Caldicott.

“We have only recently come on board to be instructed … we have received the brief (of evidence) and read it,” he said.

“We are seeing Mr Yandle in custody on Monday next week to go through that material and get signed instructions.

“So if a plea is going to be entered, it will be entered next week … ultimately, our application is for more time.”

Keith Yandle. Picture: 7NEWS Adelaide

Marco Yandle. Picture: Facebook

Mr Yandle, 46, and Marco, 20, were arrested just days after Mr Murphy’s body was found in a 15m by 15m bunker, and jointly charged with murder.

Prosecutors alleged Mr Yandle fired the fatal shots while Marco shone a torch on Mr Murphy, and that the incident was captured on CCTV.

Prosecutors subsequently seized control of the 2ha property at Kudla owned by Mr Yandle and his wife, Kathy.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Mrs Yandle, and she has been neither accused of nor charged with any offence.

Steven Murphy was sleeping rough, in order to be near to his children, when he was killed. Picture: SA Police

On Thursday, prosecutors said they did not oppose postponing Mr Yandle’s case until next week, so long as no further time was sought.

Stephen Ey, for Marco Yandle, said his client should not have to wait for his father and asked his case be sent immediately to the Supreme Court.

Magistrate Brian Nitschke agreed that was appropriate, saying there was no need to keep the duo’s cases on the same dates as “they may take different courses in the Supreme Court”.

He remanded Mr Yandle in custody until next week, and Marco in custody to face the Supreme Court in March, when a date for sentencing will be set.