Blacks Beach stabbing trial to be a ‘question of intent’ say prosecutors

A teenager charged with stabbing a young woman sunbathing on a secluded Queensland beach will go to trial soon with the crown prosecutor saying the matter will turn on a “question of intent”.

Details of the public stabbing that shocked Mackay will soon be revealed in court with the prosecution saying the trial will turn not on facts, but intent.

Kaitlin Jones, then 24, was allegedly stabbed in the head, neck, and body by a then 16-year-old assailant while she was sunbathing in Blacks Beach on September 13, 2021.

The trial is currently listed for June 5 in Mackay Supreme Court, but delays in communication between prosecution and defence could threaten to push it back.

Crown prosecutor Joshua Phillips said he was given to understand it was a “narrow issue … about the question of intent rather than the summary facts”.

Stabbing victim Kaitlin Jones, 23, who was stabbed by a stranger multiple times in a horrific attack while she was sunbathing on Blacks Beach.

The alleged teenage attacker was initially charged with grievous bodily harm before he was formally indicted on either one count of attempted murder or one count of grievous bodily harm.

Legal aid lawyer Peta Dent said defence had sent prosecution a submission on March 13, but had not heard back until a day before the mention on Wednesday, March 29.

Blacks Beach (Mackay), 13 Sep. 21, Stabbing on the beach at Blacks Beach. Blacks Beach. Photo: Daryl Wright

“We have a conference scheduled with the client this afternoon to confirm how he wishes to proceed,” Ms Dent said.

“If Your Honour was minded, to list the matter for further mention later in the week so we’ll be in a position to advise the court if the trial listing is to remain.”

Judge Michael Byrne KC adjourned the matter for a mention on Thursday, March 30, for defence to indicate the defendant’s position.