Murder, rape, assault: notorious charges back before Warwick court

From the man who allegedly killed another man with a ‘long-bladed weapon’ to the prominent figure accused of rape, these were the notable cases mentioned in the Warwick court recently.

From the man accused of stabbing two people during a late-night argument to the Warwick man who allegedly murdered another with a “long-bladed weapon”, these were the notorious cases mentioned in the Warwick Magistrates Court recently.

Dwayne Thomas Andrew Watts’ matter was mentioned in court this week over the alleged murder of Warwick man Mark Ireland, who died from head and facial injuries in September last year.

Police will allege Mr Watts, 29, killed Mr Ireland with a “long-bladed weapon” during an altercation at a Hope St home.

Defence lawyer Clare Hine told the Warwick Magistrates Court her client would undergo a psychiatric assessment on August 15, which would decide whether he was mentally fit for further court proceedings.

Mr Watts faces one charge each of murder, drink driving, and breaching a bail condition.

He will be remanded in custody until his matter is next mentioned on September 29.

The man accused of attempted murder over the alleged stabbings of two men in Stanthorpe was also brought before the courts this week.

Police claim Taufoou Lamipeti, 21,got into an altercation with the two men before stabbing them with an undisclosed object at a Wallangarra Road home in March.

The alleged victims, aged 21 and 30, were transported to hospital with serious back and chest injuries.

Mr Lamipeti is charged with one count each of attempted murder, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, and common assault.

Defence lawyer Clare Hine told the Warwick Magistrates Court she was still waiting on final pieces of evidence from the prosecution, including DNA from the alleged weapon and medical reports for the alleged victims.

The matter was adjourned to August 25 to enable police to produce the complete brief of evidence.

Mr Lamipeti will remain in custody until his next court date.

The matter of the prominent Warwick identity charged with attempted rape and sexual assault was mentioned this week.

Detectives from the Warwick CIB first arrested the man in his 50s, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in March over an alleged incident on January 31.

The man was charged with attempted rape and sexual assault, and did not appear in person when his case was mentioned in Warwick Magistrates Court.

His matter was adjourned to August 25 and he will remain on bail until that date.