Murder accused Dwayne John Creighton case delayed pending forensic imaging consent
The man accused of murdering northern NSW mum-of-three Sarah Miles allegedly gave only partial consent to a forensic procedure for police to collect his DNA, complicating further proceedings.
Lismore
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The man accused of murdering northern NSW mother-of-three Sarah Miles allegedly gave only partial consent to a forensic procedure for police to collect his DNA, complicating further proceedings.
It is alleged Richmond Valley man Dwayne John Creighton, 31, launched a violent assault on Ms Miles at her Casino home on June 29, leaving her unconscious on the ground with significant head wounds that would later be the cause of her death.
Creighton’s matter was heard in Lismore Local Court on Monday before Magistrate Kathy Crittenden.
He was not required to appear.
Defence solicitor James Fuggle told the court the initial forensic application was made at the scene of the incident on June 30.
A police prosecutor told the court she had received further instructions from the officer in charge to make ammendments to the forensic order.
“DNA swabs were requested and partial consent was given for forensic images, but the affidavit doesn’t cover specifics,” she said.
An adjournment was then sought by the Crown to “finalise” the affidavit so the “correct material could be filed”.
Ms Crittenden ordered any fresh evidence and any supporting affidavit must be filed by November 29.
Creighton did not apply for and was refused bail.
He has not entered any formal pleas at this time.
A return of subpoena was due in August, yet Creighton’s then solicitor Isabel Attwooll told the court the case couldn’t progress as the brief was “non-compliant” and requested an adjournment to get it finalised.
Officers made the horrific discovery a few minutes drive from the local station more than an hour after a triple-0 caller reported hearing screams at the Johnston St property.
Community outrage over emergency services and police response time initiated fiery debates about domestic violence and spearheaded an independent police review into the Casino murder.
Neighbours reported they heard screaming coming from the single-storey Johnston St home about 1.30am.
Despite every efforts to revive Ms Miles, she died at the scene.
Police have been contacted for an update on the critical incident investigation.
The matter was adjourned for mention in the same court on December 2.
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