Court hears new evidence leads to arrest of Terrence Bradley John Wilson over murder of Murray Bridge man Oliver Todd

Police uncovered new evidence which led to the arrest of a third man for the murder of Murray Bridge man Oliver Todd, a court has heard.

Police searching for evidence at Tennyson Tce, Murray Bridge in 2019. Picture: Tait Schmaal

New evidence uncovered by police led to the arrest of a fourth man – the third to be charged with murder – over the 2019 death of Oliver Todd, a court has heard.

The court also heard man charged with assisting an offender in the crime allegedly provided a false alibi to police.

Mr Todd’s battered body was found dumped near the River Murray six hours after the 47-year-old was reported missing from his home in Tenneyson Ave, Murray Bridge, on December 11, 2019.

At the time, police said Mr Todd, who was found 20km from home at Jervois near Tailem Bend, suffered a “severe beating”. The attack allegedly occurred in his home and is believed to involve a small tomahawk.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, prosecutor John Mattner told the court prisoner Terrence Bradley John Wilson, 33, was arrested at Mt Gambier Prison on Wednesday after police found new information.

He has been charged with murder, alongside Murray Bridge men David James Russell, 50, and Ned Timothy Hutchinson, 31.

“I can indicate to Your Honour that due to video evidence, CCTV footage, telephone contacts, as a result … that’s why Wilson has now been charged as a result,” Mr Mattner said.

“The investigation is now effectively complete, apart from compiling the CCTV footage and the e-crime to be analysed by Major Crime investigators.”

He asked the court adjourn the matter for 10 weeks to allow time for investigators to complete the evidence brief and to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider the “complex matter”.

Angus Redford, for Russell, told the court the delay was excessive.

“The interviews of the various players by police were completed in March last year.” he said.

“I have absolutely no idea why we need this (additional time) … my client would prefer to be committed for trial in the Supreme Court.”

Also on Thursday, lawyers for Brett Anthony Wollaston, told the court police had over a year to finalise the case against Wollaston and asked the court to dismiss the charges.

But Mr Mattner said Wollaston, who is yet to enter pleas to charges of assisting an offender and fabricating, altering or concealing evidence, had “caused the delays himself”.

“Given the statements he made to police, police have then had to initiate a significant investigation as to whether or not that allegation was actually correct.

“Effectively he provides an alibi … so they had to investigate that as a result. They’ve found that to be negated.

“That’s the reason for this additional delay.”

All four accused will return to court in March.