Paul James Roomes pleads guilty to murdering Mount Gambier man Peter Smith, 65, in victim’s home

A man who became homeless has pleaded guilty to murdering the saviour who took him into his house during a fight.

A homeless man has formally pleaded guilty to murdering a Mount Gambier man who took him into his own home, and assaulting another man last year.

On Monday, Paul James Roomes, of no fixed address, appeared in the Supreme Court to enter his guilty pleas before Justice Sandi McDonald, after previously surprising the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court last month with a guilty plea.

From inside a video conference room in one of the state’s prison complexes, Roomes replied “guilty” to both charges before the court.

Peter Smith, 65m was murdered in his Mount Gambier home. Picture: Facebook

Detectives conducted investigations at Mr Smith’s home, where Paul Roomes murdered him last year. Picture: Dean Martin

The court heard Roomes’ plea came before it was scheduled and prosecutors needed time to prepare their summary of facts before moving on to sentencing submissions.

Roomes pleaded guilty to the murder of Peter Smith in Mount Gambier on September 26, 2023

Neighbours said Mr Smith had taken Roomes – who was homeless – into his unit.

Police arrived at a block of units in Bond St around 3pm after reports of a disturbance, and found Mr Smith, 65, with serious injuries.

Mr Smith was treated at the scene and taken to hospital, where he died shortly after.

Roomes, also 65, of no fixed address was arrested and charged with murder.

The men are understood to be known to each other.

Mr Smith’s Bond St home, where he was murdered by Roomes on September 26, 2023. Picture: Dean Martin

One of Mr Smith’s neighbours 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.

Roomes has also pleaded guilty to assault.

Justice McDonald granted the prosecution application for an adjournment prior to sentencing submissions.

The offence of murder carries a mandatory life sentenced under SA law.

Roomes was remanded in custody until October.