Surprise witness to be cross-examined in trial of Bobby Andrew Weaver

A court has heard the man charged with killing retired Ipswich high school teacher David Thornton allegedly confessed while on remand.

There has been a surprise development in the murder case of retired Ipswich high school teacher David Thornton, with a prison informant claiming defendant Bobby Andrew Weaver allegedly entrusted him with a confession.

Mr Weaver, 28, stands charged with the murder of his longtime neighbour and appeared at the Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday, December 19 for a committal.

The body of the beloved maths and science teacher from Bremer State High School was found in a freezer buried in the backyard of his Goodna home in April, 2019.

Shortly after, Mr Weaver was extradited to Queensland from Byron Bay.

Accused murderer Bobby Andrew Weaver enters the Ipswich watch house. Picture: Cordell Richardson

The court heard that a former inmate, who served time and developed a relationship with Mr Weaver, was trusted with a confession, as well as being given documents in Mr Weaver’s handwriting.

The witness was one of several people Mr Weaver’s lawyers sought to cross examine, despite the prosecution insisting that lengthy witness statements were sufficient.

Former Ipswich high school teacher David Thornton, whose body was found buried in his backyard in 2019.

Defence barrister, Simone Bain, argued the statements from the prison informant and each of the other three key witnesses were critical to the case and that cross examination was vital to ensure Mr Weaver was not “taken by surprise” in trial.

Magistrate Kathleen Payne granted the approval for cross examination, despite objections from prosecutor Christine Wilson that a committal hearing should not act as a “dress-rehearsal for trial”.

Ms Wilson said further information could be provided in addendum statements.

The proceedings have faced lengthy delays due to changes in Mr Weaver’s legal representation and issues in determining which witnesses would be able to be cross examined.

The matter was adjourned to April 12 and 13 next year when nine witnesses would be cross examined.

Mr Weaver was further remanded in custody.