Kerrod John Frahm faces court charged with manslaughter

A snake venom expert is expected to speak at a court hearing later this year after a South Burnett father was charged with manslaughter following his 11-year-old’s death.

Kerrod Frahm leaving Murgon Magistrates Court.

A snake venom expert and several witnesses are expected to speak at the next court hearing for a South Burnett father charged with the manslaughter of his son.

Kerrod John Frahm, 31, was charged with manslaughter by police in November 2022, over the death of his 11-year-old son Tristian in November 2021.

Police allege Mr Frahm failed to seek medical attention after the boy was bitten by a snake while the pair were at a friend’s property.

Mr Frahm and lawyer Andrew Bale appeared before the Murgon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The court was told Tristian was bitten on his right ankle by an eastern brown snake.

Tristian died in November 2021 after he suffered a bite from an eastern brown snake.

Police prosecutor Barry Stevens said the prosecution's case for manslaughter was based on the allegation that Mr Frahm did not give the correct care and attention to his son, which resulted in his death.

Mr Bale requested the case be adjourned until October for a committal hearing.

Mr Bale submitted that the case be adjourned until October for a committal hearing.

The court was told three people would be cross-examined at the hearing including two first-hand witnesses and a doctor who specialises in venomous snake bites.

Mr Bale said the witnesses would be asked about the timelines of the evening Tristian was bitten by the snake.

The court was told an eastern brown snake bite can be “invisible to the naked eye”.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair said he had experienced first hand the challenges of locating a snakebite.

Mr Sinclair enlarged Mr Frahm’s bail and adjourned the matter for committal hearing at Murgon on October 17, 2023.