Rard Malcolm Thomas to stand trial over alleged manslaughter of mother’s husband
A former military policeman who is alleged to have killed his mother’s husband in Coonabarabran in 2021 has been committed to stand trial next year. Here’s the details.
Dubbo News
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A former military policeman charged with the manslaughter of his mother’s husband has been committed to stand trial in the District Court next year.
Rard Malcolm Thomas, 24, appeared in Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday supported by his family as he maintained pleas of not guilty.
He faces three charges, including manslaughter, assault occasioning death and assault causing death by a person 18 years or more while intoxicated after a murder charge was officially withdrawn.
Police were told a group of people had gathered at the home when David Bennett, 53, was found at the front of the house with serious injuries to his head and face.
The injured man was taken to Coonabarabran Hospital and later flown to St George Hospital where he later died.
When the matter was heard in July last year in Tweed Heads Local Court, Thomas was granted conditional bail.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Nathan Lockett said police had spoken with a number of witnesses.
Mr Lockett said it was alleged Thomas had a conversation with Mr Bennett during a funeral in a courtyard, where Thomas allegedly punched Mr Bennett so hard that he fell onto concrete and the rear of his head bounced on the ground.
The court heard from the defence who said Thomas attempted to care for Mr Bennett after he fell but this was again rejected by the prosecution who said Thomas had walked away.
It was also disputed between the two parties over whether Thomas was intoxicated at the time of the incident.
On Thursday it was revealed to the court the-next-of-kin of Mr Bennett was present in court along with the officer-in-charge.
Mr John Doohan from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions handed Magistrate Greg Grogin a sealed case conference certificate, signed by the defence, Crown and Thomas.
Monday, November 7 was confirmed as Thomas’ arraignment date as he is set to stand trial next year.
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