NSW Health delays in case against Zachary Mills who allegedly killed his mother in Coffs Harbour
The case of a man accused of murdering his own mother has hit a roadblock after delays on post mortem results, a court has heard. Here’s the latest.
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The case of a man accused of murdering his own mother has hit a roadblock after delays on post mortem results, a court has heard.
Police Prosecutor Mr Stephenson told court oin Tuesday an autopsy post mortem report — “a vital piece of evidence”, was still outstanding nine months on from Christine Mills’ death, allegedly at the hands of her son Zachary.
Mr Stephenson sought an adjournment to allow for the autopsy’s completion.
When he explained the hold up, he said the delay was with NSW Pathology and “not uncommon”.
Mills’ defence solicitor Mr Hearne told the court while it wasn't ideal to delay proceedings further, he agreed the autopsy was vital for the matter to proceed.
Magistrate Theresa Hamilton appeared surprised that the post mortem had not yet been conducted, some nine months after Ms Mills died.
“I would have thought as there is a charge attached it would have been given some priority,” Ms Hamilton said.
The court heard Mills, 31, who appeared from Shortland Correctional Centre, had not appeared on the last occasions.
Via audiovisual link on Tuesday, Mills was seen in standard prison garb with facial hair including a goatee, wearing his dark brown hair tied back in a ponytail.
Mills faces charges of domestic violence related murder, cause grievous bodily harm with intent and contravene an apprehended violence order.
He has made no formal application for bail and it has been refused.
Ms Hamilton adjourned the case till 29 July.
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