Yeppoon court hears latest in Lake Mary Pines death case

A Yeppoon court has heard an update in the case of those charged over the death of worker Cody Smith at a Capricorn Coast pineapple farm.

Cody Smith was killed in an industrial incident at Lake Mary Pines on Ingrey Road, Bungundarra, on July 14, 2021. Picture: Facebook.

Two men charged in relation to the death of worker Cody Smith at a Capricorn Coast pineapple farm in 2021, have had their matters mentioned in court.

Mr Smith, 25, died after a harvester struck power lines at Lake Mary Pines on Ingrey Road, Bungundarra, on July 14, 2021.

Colin Martin Stevens and Nathan Luke Stevens were charged under the Electrical Safety Act 2002, with failing to comply with a Category 2 electrical safety duty - expose an individual to a risk of death, or serious injury, or illness.

No pleas have been entered for either men.

In Yeppoon Magistrates Court on Thursday, June 8, neither Colin Martin Stevens nor Nathan Luke Stevens were required to appear.

Representing both men via phone was a solicitor from Butler McDermott Lawyers.

Also appearing by phone was a representative from Work Health and Safety, which is prosecuting the matter.

Magistrate Cameron Press asked the WHS representative what was happening with the prosecutions.

The WHS spokeswoman said she had spoken to Butler McDermott Lawyers on Thursday morning (June 8) and she sought an adjournment until next month.

The WHS spokeswoman also asked the Yeppoon court whether the matter would be heard in Yeppoon, Rockhampton, or be transferred to Brisbane.

Magistrate Cameron Press responded to that, saying: “The matter will be heard in Rockhampton.”

Mr Press added: “Now as to transfer from here to Brisbane, well that would be open for the parties to make application for that.

“I mean clearly, you would appreciate that a lot will, would depend on where the balance of convenience lies.”

Mr Press asked the solicitor from Butler McDermott Lawyers if he was happy for a one-month adjournment, which he said he was.

Mr Press adjourned the matters of Colin Martin Stevens and Nathan Luke Stevens to July 6.

Also charged under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 with failing to comply with a Category 2 electrical safety duty - expose an individual to a risk of death, or serious injury, or illness - was Ergon Energy Corporation Limited.

Its matter was not listed in the Yeppoon court on June 8.