Campania man in court over alleged murder of mum-of-four by running her down with car

A Campania man accused of murdering a woman by running her down in his car has faced court. Newly-released documents reveal he had a restraining order against him at the time.

James Kenneth Austin has been charged with murdering mother-of-four Jacqui Purton by running her down with his car at Campania, Tasmania. Picture: Facebook

A CAMPANIA man has briefly faced court after being charged with murdering a woman by running her down in his car.

Newly-released court documents show the victim, Jacqui Bergman, had a Police Family Violence Order – a type of restraining order – in force against her alleged killer at the time of her death.

Jacqui Purton. Picture: Facebook

James Kenneth Austin, 38, has still not entered a plea to the murder of the mother-of-four, who was also known as Jacqui Purton, on March 13 this year.

According to the court documents, Mr Austin is charged not only with murdering Ms Bergman, but also breaching the Police Family Violence Order, which had a condition he not directly or indirectly threaten, abuse or assault her.

Police allege he breached that order by “hitting her with your vehicle, causing her death”.

On Monday, Mr Austin appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court via video link, with his lawyer asking for an adjournment to consider documents.

Mr Austin also faces a number of unrelated offences dating back to November last year at Campania and Risdon Vale, including minor drug possession of methylamphetamine, possessing an ice pipe, and driving while disqualified.

The court heard these matters would also be adjourned.

Ms Bergman, 37, died from serious injuries after being struck by a car on a property in Native Corners Road, Campania.

Mr Austin will return to court on April 20.

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Originally published as Campania man in court over alleged murder of mum-of-four by running her down with car