Garth Michael Reid found not guilty of murdering girlfriend’s father in horror Xmas Day stabbing

A man has been found not guilty of murdering his girlfriend’s father during a horror stabbing altercation outside a southeast Queensland home on Christmas Day.

A jury has returned a verdict in the trial of Garth Michael Reid, who is charged with the murder of Warren Toby in 2020.

A Brisbane man who stabbed his girlfriend’s father to death in a Christmas Day dispute has been acquitted of murder.

After more than a day of deliberations, a Supreme Court jury found Garth Michael Reid not guilty of the murder of 53-year-old Warren Toby who died in late 2020.

Reid was instead found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter when the jury returned late Tuesday.

Members of Mr Toby’s family could be heard gasping upon the verdict being delivered and outside court expressed frustration at why he was not convicted of murder.

Warren Toby (pictured) died from fatal stab wounds inflicted on Boxing Day 2020, following a Christmas Day party that soured. Garth Michael Reid has pleaded not guilty to his murder. Picture: Supplied

A jury at Brisbane Supreme Court (pictured) on Tuesday found Mr Reid not guilty of murder. Picture: NCA Newswire / Dan Peled

During the week-long trial, the court heard Reid stabbed his girlfriend’s father when he tried to stop him leaving festive celebrations at a North Ipswich home.

Reid’s then-girlfriend Kieran Toby-Currie gave evidence last week that the couple had decided to leave the family Christmas gathering after a joke was made at her expense.

Supporters and family of Warren Toby have packed Brisbane Supreme Court throughout the trial. Picture: NCA NewsWire / John Gass

Family convinced her not to leave but Reid was adamant he wanted to go home.

She said Reid punched her when she tried to stop him from getting in his car.

He then stabbed Mr Toby as he tried to stop him leaving.

Police outside the Hall St home in North Ipswich where Warren Toby died from stab wounds. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Defence barrister Jessica Horne said her client had defended himself upon being confronted by Mr Toby and his son Ethan.

The court was told Reid was scared for his safety after Ethan said he would “have to go through me” if he wanted to leave the property.

Ms Horne told the court Reid was under attack and unable to retreat when he delivered the fatal stab wounds.

Reid will be sentenced on August 18.