Murder case for mother-of-four Heather Ball hits roadblock

A court case involving the alleged brutal stabbing and murder of a mother on a Moreton City footpath has frustratingly been put on hold, 15 months after her ex-partner was charged.

The lawyer defending a man who allegedly murdered his ex-partner and mother-of-four on a Caboolture footpath has told a court he is still waiting on forensic evidence, phone records and other material to progress the case.

Aaron Robert Plant’s matter was heard for committal mention in the Caboolture Magistrates Court on July 23, 2024.

Plant has been on remand in custody and made no appearance.

Police alleged that about 8.30pm on May 17, Mr Plant brutally stabbed his ex-partner Heather Ball outside her Short St unit complex and fled on foot.

According to court documents, the attempted murder charges levelled against Plant — listed as a pensioner — stemmed from him allegedly crashing his car into the police vehicle as officers pursued him on the Bruce Hwy.

Heather Ball was killed in a stabbing at Caboolture.

It was understood that he was Ms Ball’s ex-boyfriend.

Two police officers were taken to hospital with minor injuries after the incident and a police van was badly damaged.

Ms Ball was 27 at the time and a mother of four children.

Plant was charged with murder-domestic violence, two counts of attempted murder by act, dangerous operation of a vehicle, evasion, stealing, serious assault, assault/resist/obstruct police officer/person action in aid of a police officer and assault of police officers.

Plant’s lawyer Blair Hoolihan expressed frustration to the court.

He said forensic evidence, phone records, medical records and an investigating officer’s statement were among some of the key pieces still missing from the brief of evidence against his client.

“We’re always told matters like murder take priority and here we are 15 months in and we can’t progress,‘’ Mr Hoolihan told the court.

“Because of the recent commission of inquiry, prosecution can’t get an ETA for material.”

Police prosecutor Sergeant Leisel Stephenson told the court a sergeant had requested a time estimate for handing over the evidence.

“I’ll send an email directly to the officer today to see if we can have something for the next occasion,” Ms Stephenson said.

Magistrate Kurt Fowler adjourned the matter to September 26 for further mention in the Caboolture magistrates Court.