Neighbours say alleged murder victim Peter Smith had ‘heart of gold’ as man charged over Mount Gambier death

A man accused of a Mount Gambier murder has complained to the magistrate during his court appearance, as the identity of his alleged victim is revealed.

A Mount Gambier man has been charged with murder in the state’s South-East, with neighbours of the alleged victim describing him as having a “heart of gold”.

Police and ambulance crews were called to a block of units in Bond St after reports of a disturbance on Tuesday, about 3pm.

When police arrived they found the man, 65, with serious injuries.

Peter Smith was treated at the scene by paramedics and rushed to hospital, where he died shortly after.

Police examine the scene of the alleged murder at a group of Mount Gambier units. Picture Dean Martin

Police, detectives and forensic officers at the block of units in the Mount. Picture Dean Martin

Another man, also 65, of no fixed address was arrested and later charged with murder by detectives on Tuesday night.

Alleged murder victim Peter Smith.

The men were understood to be known to each other.

The accused, Paul Roomes, appeared via video link in the Mt Gambier Magistrates Court later on Wednesday afternoon and was remanded to appear again in November 2024.

Roomes, who declined a lawyer, said he had not applied for bail.

Magistrate Kate White advised Roomes to find a lawyer if he wanted to make an application for bail.

Roomes complained during the three-minute hearing that he could not see the magistrate and then about the length of time he would be in custody.

“I’m not very happy,’’ he said.

A neighbour of Mr Smith described him as having a “heart of gold’’.

The neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the alleged victim had recently taken into his home the man accused of his murder out of kindness.

“Peter had his problems but his heart was in the right place,’’ she said.

The neighbour said she had heard screams coming from the unit on Tuesday afternoon.

Police outside the block of units where the alleged murder took place. Picture Dean Martin

65 year old Peter Smith was murdered in his Mt.Gambier home. Police, Detectives and Forensic officers at the scene, at a block of units off Bond Street. 27 September 2023. Picture Dean Martin

Evidence outside the home at Mount Gambier. Picture Dean Martin

Neighbour Johanna Jarrad said Peter Smith was a nice man. Picture Dean Martin

“The noise I heard yesterday I did not know could come out of a human being.’’

Another neighbour in the Admella Court apartment block said she had called the police when a third man had come to her door asking for help.

Johanna Jarrad said the man had also been injured, describing cuts and abrasion to his face.

Ms Jarrad said it appeared the men had been drinking.

Police, detectives and forensic officers at block of units. Picture Dean Martin

She said she saw the alleged victim removed from his house.

“I could see his head, there was blood everywhere.’’

She also said there had been shouts coming from the unit.