Michael Kurt Pringle faces Ipswich Court charged with murdering Krystle Monks

There has been a major step forward in the Krystle Monks murder case, in which the 19-year-old’s boyfriend currently stands charged with her murder.

Michael Kurt Pringle (right) has been charged with murder after the death of his girlfriend Krystle Monks (left)

There has been a major step forward in the Krystle Monks murder case, following over a year’s wait for evidence gathering to be completed.

Michael Kurt Pringle, 22, was charged with murdering his girlfriend after she was found collapsed on the floor of a Bundamba home in February last year.

Ms Monks, 19, died in hospital the following night.

Mr Pringle has now spent over a year in custody waiting for the prosecution to put together its case against him.

In May last year, the Ipswich Magistrates’ Court heard there was already a “voluminous” brief of evidence.

But there would be at least 12 months’ delay waiting for a DNA statement and pathologist’s report to be prepared.

On July 5, nearly 14 months later, Ipswich Magistrates Court heard that the evidence-gathering process had now finally been completed.

The court heard that the brief of evidence was now available for the defence to collect and review.

Legal aid defence lawyer Ann-Maree Russo said there had already been “considerable delay” in the case.

But she said it may still “take some time” to go through the material and conference with Mr Pringle.

The matter was adjourned to August 2.

Mr Pringle remains remanded in custody.