Townsville Magistrates Court: Son has murder charge dropped after mental health court application

A man who was alleged to have brutally stabbed his mother to death has had the charges dismissed following an application to the mental health court.

Townsville Magistrates Court: Son has murder charge dropped after mental health court application Picture: Evan Morgan

A son who was alleged to have brutally stabbed his mother to death in their home has had all charges dismissed after the mental health court found him to be of ‘unsound mind’.

The man who can’t be named yet was charged with murder, going armed to cause fear and serious assault in 2022 after his 44-year-old mum was stabbed in Townsville.

On Friday morning in the Townsville Magistrates Court, defence lawyer Mikaila Ward from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Legal Services appeared on his behalf and submitted findings from Justice Morrison in the mental health court.

“The court found him of unsound mind during the offences and the court ordered that the proceedings against (him) in relation to the offences be discontinued,” Ms Ward said.

Police prosecutor Tasman Murphy said it was a “preference” for the court to dismiss the man rather than prosecution offer no evidence to the charges as there was in fact evidence “due to the gravity of the offence”.

Magistrate Cathy Wadley said she did not have the power to dismiss the charges and said it was a matter for prosecution therefore Mr Murphy offered no evidence to all charges.

“The charges are dismissed,” Her Honour said.

Originally published as Townsville Magistrates Court: Son has murder charge dropped after mental health court application