Blacks Beach stabbing: Teen indicted on attempted murder

New details have emerged about the stabbing attack against a hairdresser sunbathing at a secluded beach as the case against the teen charged reaches the supreme court.

Kaitlin Jones was stabbed by a stranger multiple times in a horrific attack while she was sunbathing on Blacks Beach.

Charges against a teen over a stabbing attack against a Mackay hairdresser at Blacks Beach have been upgraded to attempted murder.

The incident on September 13, 2021 sent shockwaves throughout the Mackay community and across the state.

Kaitlin Jones, then 24, had been sunbathing alone when a stranger approached her before later stabbing her multiple times in the head, neck and body with a knife.

Police at Blacks Beach after a hairdresser was stabbed by sunbathing alone. Photo: Daryl Wright

A 16-year-old boy was initially charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm.

However in Mackay Supreme Court on Monday crown prosecutor Joshua Phillips presented a formal indictment against the teen, now 17, for one count of attempted murder, or one count of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm in the alternative.

A Mackay teen was charged over the stabbing of hairdresser Kaitlin Jones.

Solicitor Rosie Varley, who appeared as town agent for Legal Aid Queensland Brisbane office, requested an adjournment until early next 2023.

Ms Varley told the court there was a conference scheduled with counsel on December “to obtain instructions”.

“It has been indicated that a likely submission will be forwarded to the crown,” Ms Varley said.

Mr Phillips told the court, “I apprehend the submission is probably concerning the alternative charge.”

Matters were adjourned to January 31, 2023.