Sandra Maree Dean faces murder charge in Mackay court

The case against a Bundaberg woman accused of killing her 73-year-old mum while on a visit to Mackay will likely face a lengthy delay, a court has heard.

A woman has been charged with murder following the death of her 73-year-old mum in Glenella in Mackay’s northern suburbs. The property remains a crime scene on Friday. Photo: Heidi Petith

The case against a Bundaberg woman accused of her killing her mum while on a visit to Mackay will likely face a lengthy delay, a court has heard.

Sandra Maree Dean, was charged with murdering her mother Heather Dean, 73, also from Bundaberg, on Friday.

It follows paramedics noticing the elderly mother’s head injuries seemed inconsistent with reports of a fall.

Police have alleged Heather Dean had been in Mackay staying with close family members on an impromptu visit when she was found dead in a makeshift bedroom within a garage on the Glenella property with “significant head injuries”.

Sandra Dean, 53, faced Mackay Magistrates Court on Monday from the watch-house, where she has been since she was remanded in custody.

Sandra Maree Dean, was charged with murdering her mother Heather Dean, 73, also from Bundaberg, on Friday, October 6, 2023, after paramedics allegedly noticed injuries inconsistent with a fall. Photo: Heidi Petith

Duty lawyer Ancilla Seethya said Ms Dean first faced the court on Friday, but the matter was adjourned until Monday as they expected the prosecution to lay more charges.

No further charges have been laid.

Ms Seethya said Ms Dean had filed an application for representation with Legal Aid Queensland.

Acting Magistrate Stephen Byrne ordered that the prosecution deliver its brief of evidence by November 20, even if in part, so that a committal mention date could be set for December 20.

Mr Byrne said the brief should at least contain statements gathered by police, but he anticipated “scientific information” might take longer to collate.

Ms Dean, who appeared visibly upset, was ordered to appear via video link on December 20.