Leon Andrew Murray faces assault charges in Noosa Magistrates Court

A magistrate has given a boarding house manager who faces two assault while armed charges a dire warning before his next court date.

Leon Andrew Murray leaves the Noosa Magistrates Court. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A magistrate has told a boarding house manager facing two assault charges that he needs to “turn over every rock” to find legal representation and finalise his case.

Leon Andrew Murray appeared before Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist in the Noosa Magistrates Court on November 22.

The 65-year-old has been charged with two counts of assault causing bodily harm while armed at Gheerulla, near Kenilworth, on February 22, 2020.

Mr Murray, who was self-represented, said his legal representation had withdrawn.

“It’s been before the court since early 2020... and it’s still going,” Mr Stjernqvist said.

Leon Andrew Murray leaves Noosa Magistrates Court on November 22. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“When is it going to come to a conclusion?”

Police prosecutor Allison Johnstone said the matter had been scheduled for a lengthy plea about two years ago.

“He’s in jeopardy in relation to the charges, due to the seriousness of them,” she said.

Mr Murray said he managed a men’s boarding house, he was “not a violent man” and he had “rung a couple of lawyers” to try and find legal representation.

He said he was willing to have a mental health assessment and also said he would plead guilty to the charges.

Mr Stjernqvist said Mr Murray was sending mixed messages, saying on the one hand he wanted the matter finalised and on the other hand saying he was trying to find a lawyer.

Sergeant Johnstone said police were seeking a sentence of 15 to 18 months’ imprisonment, to serve a third.

Mr Murray asked for another adjournment.

“You’ve been doing that for two years,” the magistrate said.

Mr Murray said he could not go to jail.

“Mr Murray, when defendants are on bail for serious offences, like you are, there doesn’t seem like a lot of enthusiasm to get those dealt with,” Mr Stjernqvist said.

“But those defendants in your position that drag a leg for too long, can end up in custody, then they get really enthusiastic about getting it dealt with.

“You turn over every rock that you can find in an endeavour to get someone interested in your case.”

The case was adjourned until January 31.