Murder accused to face higher court judge after lawyer’s negotiations

Lawyers for a North Queensland man charged with Jennifer Board’s murder have taken a step forward in negotiations to bring the case before a judge.

Chris Hughes.

A North Queensland man charged with murder will be brought before a judge in a higher court, his lawyers have revealed.

Speaking to Magistrate Richard Lehmann in a Townsville court on Tuesday, the lawyer representing Christopher Michael Hughes shared the matter’s latest update.

“The request at this stage is to adjourn to a date in late December,” Legal Aid solicitor Helen Armitage said.

She said discussions between the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the firm had reached the stage of finalising how the matter would move to a higher court.

“ … Whether that be via a registry committal, or another means through the ex-officio processes,” Ms Armitage said.

Chris Hughes.

Mr Lehmann said he “needed progress” with the matter as he had notes on file regarding negotiation progress since April this year.

Townsville Magistrates Court in May heard his lawyers were seeking to escalate his matter to a higher court without a committal taking place.

Hughes, who did not appear for the mention, was remanded in custody.

The matter will be mentioned again in late December, with his appearance not required.

Hughes was charged with murder in 2021 over the death of 22-year-old aspiring police officer Jennifer Board.

It is alleged that Hughes was chasing a stolen car along Ross River Rd but lost control after ramming the vehicle.

Hughes’ car struck Ms Board – who had been travelling on her motorcycle in the opposite direction.

Townsville teenager Gregory Clubb is alleged to have been behind the wheel of the stolen car that was rammed by Hughes.

Clubb was initially charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle in relation to the incident, but it was upgraded to manslaughter in May this year.

Originally published as Murder accused to face higher court judge after lawyer’s negotiations