Matthew Owen Woodcock charged with assault, wilful damage at Finch Hatton

Prosecution have taken a certain step in the case against a man helping police with their investigation following a bizarre incident at Finch Hatton.

A charge against a man helping police with their investigation into a bizarre Finch Hatton death incident has been downgraded as he indicates the case may be finalised.

Suzanne Scott, 69, died following an incident at her Boulder Street home in the late afternoon on July 4.

Suzanne Scott, 69, died following an incident at her Finch Hatton home in the late afternoon on July 4.

It is alleged her body was driven from her home to a Zahmel St address about 6pm where she was pronounced dead.

No charges have been laid yet in relation to Ms Scott’s death.

Matthew Owen Woodcock, 37, was remanded in custody on four offences unrelated to the homicide investigation but instead relate to an incident that allegedly occurred earlier in the day at a home on Boulder Road.

Matthew Owen Wilson is charged with assault, wilful damage of police property and other offences over an incident at Finch Hatton.

Police confirmed they were investigating if there was a link between Ms Scott’s death and Mr Woodcock.

The tragedy has shocked the small Pioneer Valley community.

Mr Woodcock was initially charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, two counts of wilful damage and one count of wilful damage of police property.

Bounder Rd in Finch Hatton, along which Suzanne Ruth Scott lived for several years. Picture: Janessa Ekert

He is also facing a separate group of charges including possessing dangerous drugs and used utensils.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard the assault charge, which has a maximum penalty of seven years jail if convicted, would be discontinued and replaced with common assault, which has a maximum penalty of three years jail for anyone convicted.

A police vehicle was allegedly damaged when the man was taken into police custody. Picture: Rae Wilson and Tara Miko

Legal Aid Queensland solicitor Rosie Varley said the case had been adjourned so prosecution could consider a submission on her client’s case.

“The submission was accepted as indicated by the replacement charge,” Ms Varley said, requesting a short adjournment to obtained signed instructions from Mr Woodcock in relation to his case.

She told the court the matter would be a long plea at the next mention.

The case was adjourned to October 13.