Aaron Harley James to stand trial for murder of stepson Jaylen Troy Priest

A Queensland man accused of killing his baby stepson has been committed to stand trial for murder, after a magistrate ruling there is enough evidence that could be put before a jury that the he caused the 16-month-old’s traumatic brain injury.

Jaylen Troy Priest. Picture Supplied

A man accused of killing his baby stepson has been committed to stand trial for murder after a magistrate ruled prosecutors had sufficient evidence for the case to proceed.

Lawyers for Aaron Harley James had urged the court to dismiss the charge against their client, submitting there was evidence 16-month-old Jaylen Troy Priest may have died from injuries sustained in an accident.

But Magistrate Andrew Moloney on Wednesday said the case should be decided by “the ultimate tribunal of fact”, dismissing the submissions that James had no case to answer and handing the case up to the Brisbane Supreme Court.

Jaylen, who lived at Burpengary, died from a traumatic brain injury in January 2022, days after being taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries on December 30, 2021.

His stepfather Harley, 34, is charged with the boy’s murder and appeared via videolink from prison during the decision of his matter in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

In making submissions that he had no case to answer last month, his lawyers argued Jaylen’s injuries were consistent with evidence he had fallen and hit his head running across wet tiles.

Magistrate Moloney this week handed down his decision, saying he was satisfied there was enough evidence upon which a properly instructed jury could establish the four elements required to prove Jaylen’s murder.

“I am satisfied there is evidence that could be put before a jury that the defendant caused the injury,” he said.

“Both doctors describe a level of force required to inflict the injury as severe.

“Jaylen was a 16-month-old child and the level of force required to cause the injury is in my view sufficient evidence of an intent to do grievous bodily harm.”

Magistrate Moloney said the case should be determined in the higher court.

“I am satisfied that there is evidence before the court upon which a properly instructed jury could act to establish the four elements required,” he said.

“Namely that the death occurred, that the killing was unlawful, that it was caused by the defendant, and that he did so with the reckless intent so as to be convicted on the elements of the charge.”

Asked whether he had anything to say or if he wanted to enter a plea, James said no.