Mother told police she was ‘scared’ of her son before alleged murder

A woman has allegedly been murdered by her son in a domestic violence attack that left her with fatal facial injuries at a popular beachside holiday park on NSW’s Mid North Coast.

Christine Mills, 58, had an apprehended violence order against her son, 30-year-old Zachary Mills, telling police she was “scared” of her son due to his long history of violence.

Christine Mills was allegedly murdered by her son Zachary Mills in Coffs Harbour.

Mills, who had significant mobility issues due to a spinal injury, told police she was also worried he was stealing money from her.

Her last AVO was granted in June, barring Zachary Mills from approaching his mother for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol or taking drugs and prohibiting him from stalking, harassing, intimidating, assaulting or threatening her, or damaging her property.

His father and ex-partner also had AVOs against him.

Police were called to Christine Mills’ home, a site at the BIG4 Holiday Park on Ocean Parade in Coffs Harbour for a welfare check last Wednesday where she was found with facial injuries. She was taken to Coffs Harbour Base Hospital for treatment but died on Monday, five days later.

Police were told a 30-year-old man had been at the property but left before police arrived, with Zachary Mills allegedly fleeing to Queensland. He was arrested on Sunday by police at Park Ridge, south of Brisbane.

The Brisbane Magistrates Court granted an extradition order on Monday, and Zachary Mills was taken to Tweed Heads police station where he was charged with murder.

He appeared at Tweed Heads Local Court on Tuesday on two counts of contravening an apprehended violence order, one count of cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent, and one count of murder, where he did not apply for bail and it was formally refused.

He will next face court on December 10.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service (1800RESPECT) on 1800 737 732.

If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue.