Dwayne Thomas Andrew Watts: Man in Warwick court on murder charge

New information has come to light in the case of a man who allegedly killed another Warwick man with a sword in a quiet residential street.

A Warwick man accused of murdering another man with a sword has had the serious charges brought back before the courts.

Dwayne Thomas Andrew Watts’ matter was mentioned in Warwick Magistrates Court this week where he faces one charge each of murder, drink driving, and breaching a bail condition.

Dwayne Thomas Andrew Watts, 30, stands accused of murdering fellow Warwick man Mark Ireland with a sword. Picture: Facebook

Police allege the 30-year-old killed fellow Warwick man Mark Ireland with the “long-bladed weapon” during an altercation at a Hope Street home in September last year.

Mr Ireland died from head and facial injuries aged 54.

Defence lawyer Clare Hine asked the Warwick court for a lengthy adjournment to give her time to assess Mr Watts’ psychiatric report, which she hoped would finally allow the matter to progress.

Alleged victim Mark Ireland (right) with his son Matthew. Picture: contributed

“We have had a lot of issues trying to get instructions from Mr Watts. Our client has refused to give us any instructions until the capacity report was available,” she said.

“It’s only just become available, but the brief of evidence has otherwise been disclosed.”

Mr Watts remains in custody and was not required to appear in court. He has not yet indicated a plea.

His murder charge will next be mentioned in Warwick Magistrates Court on December 1.

Ms Hine added that Mr Watts pleaded guilty to unrelated charges in Warwick District Court earlier this month, but would not be sentenced until the first sittings next year.