Dakota Tihirua Ruka-Pohe: Murder charge downgraded over fatal stabbing of Logan dad Robert Watene

The murder charge against a Logan man accused of fatally stabbing a father-of-three Robert Watene in the neck has been downgraded to manslaughter, with more details revealed in his latest court appearance.

The murder charge against a Logan man accused of fatally stabbing a father-of-three Robert Watene in the neck has been downgraded to manslaughter.

Dakota Tihirua Ruka-Pohe, 27, appeared by video link in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Police allege he stabbed his neighbour Robert Watene, 33, in the neck at Loganlea after travelling home from a party together on November 4, 2018.

Mr Watene died at the scene, despite attempts by ambulance officers to revive him.

Robert Watene died from a stab wound to the neck. Picture via Facebook

Police prosecutor Tahlia Boettcher told the court that the prosecution would formally be offering no evidence for a charge of murder previously laid against Ruka-Pohe and instead would be proceeding with a charge of manslaughter.

Ruka-Pohe is also facing two counts of serious assault after allegedly spitting in the faces of two police officers.

He has yet to enter a formal plea and was remanded in custody for a further mention in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on March 16, 2022.