Matthew Spinks to stand trial over alleged murder of Nathan Costello

Matthew Spinks, 34, has been charged with the murder of Nathan Costello, who died on Valentine’s Day last year.

Nathan Costello (pictured) was shot dead on Valentine’s Day, Febuary 14, last year.

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An Illawarra man accused of fatally shooting another man outside a Unanderra home on Valentine’s Day in 2018 is set to face trial in the NSW Supreme Court.

Matthew Spinks, 34, was charged with murder nine months after he allegedly gunned down Nathan Costello at the front of a home on Carr Parade.

At the time of the offence, police said Mr Costello’s death was a ‘targeted attack’.

Spinks appeared at Wollongong Local Court via audio visual link in front of Magistrate Michael Stoddart on Wednesday, where he was committed to stand trial over Mr Costello’s alleged murder.

Nathan Costello's father Robert Costello at Wollongong Local Court on June 12.

Spinks slouched in his chair during the appearance and remained silent for most of the proceedings, only muttering “yeah” when asked if he understood what had happened.

Outside court, Mr Costello’s father Robert said seeing Spinks on screen made him “feel sick”.

“I just hope something comes out of the trial,” he said. “It’s killing me.”

Fighting back tears, Robert described Nathan as “one hell of a beautiful son” and said he hoped justice was served.

“[I intend to follow the trial] all the way,” he said.

“It’s going to hurt but I’ve got to put up with it.”

Spinks, who is currently on remand at Parklea Correctional Centre, will be arraigned in the NSW Supreme Court on July 12, with the trial likely to be held at Wollongong in early 2020.

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