Murder accused Arthur James Spencer has matter mentioned in court

A Rockhampton court has heard an update in the case of a man accused of murder after his housemate was found seriously injured and later died in a home in Depot Hill. Full details.

Detectives investigate the suspicious death of a man at Depot Hill in 2019.

The case of Depot Hill murder accused Arthur James Spencer cannot progress until his defence receives a report from an independent pathologist, a court has heard.

In 2019, Mr Spencer was charged with one count of murder after his housemate, 56-year-old Edward Bashford, was found seriously injured in a room he rented on Campbell Street on April 16.

Mr Bashford died at the scene.

In the Rockhampton Supreme Court on Tuesday, defence barrister Scott Moon said an independent pathologist was “assessing and providing a report”.

“We believe it will be ready sometime around August,” Mr Moon said.

“We can’t progress the matter unfortunately at this stage until we receive the report.”

When questioned by Justice Graeme Crow whether the trial would proceed in September or October, Crown prosecutor Joshua Phillips responded “later than earlier”.

“Assuming the report comes to the Crown in August or early September then it would need to be sent to the prosecution’s pathologist for comment and cross disclosure of any new information,” Mr Phillips said.

He said the trial could proceed in October if there were no “significant problems”.

Justice Crow adjourned Mr Spencer’s matter to September 5 for mention and he was remanded in custody.