Colin Glass Tuncurry stabbing, hospital death drop case back in Taree court

A ‘blood spatter’ report is one of several outstanding in the case of five people charged in relation to the alleged murder of a Taree man dropped at hospital suffering fatal wounds.

A ‘blood spatter’ report is one of several outstanding in the case of five people charged in relation to the stabbing death of Colin Glass, who was dropped at a Taree hospital with fatal wounds in April.

It was heard in Taree Local Court on Monday that a pathology report was yet to be completed and despite multiple requests to expedite it there was still “no time frame” on when it would be done, police prosecutor Cherie Harmer said.

She said self defence was likely to be an issue in the case and that reports showing blood splatters and outlining the number and angle of wounds to various parties were vital before charges were certified.

Colin Glass was dropped at Taree hospital with fatal stab wounds on April 23.

Magistrate Allison Hawkins has expressed frustration with delays in the past, questioning the need to wait for the post mortem report.

“I think everyone knows what happened to Mr Glass,” she said on August 28.

“This is not a matter where the cause of death is going to be a surprise to anyone.”

On Monday she agreed to a further adjournment, saying maybe “some magic might happen” and the pathology report will be completed.

Police at the block of flats on Heath Ave, Tuncurry, where the alleged stabbing took place. Picture: Janine Watson

Matthew Ronald Bennis has been charged with the murder of Colin Glass, who was left at Manning Base Hospital on the morning of April 23 suffering wounds allegedly inflicted at a block of flats in Tuncurry.

Glass, who was 38 at the time, died before he made it inside the emergency ward.

Four other people – all women – have been charged in relation to Mr Glass’s death, including 25-year-old Kaia Lynn Ridgeway.

Taree emergency department entrance on High St.

She was arrested about the same time as Bennis and charged with concealing a serious indictable offence.

As investigations continued 50-year-old Sheree Cross was arrested and charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder and accessory after the fact to malicious wounding.

Jodie Mackenzie, also 50, has been charged with being an accessory after fact to murder and wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The latest to be arrested was Lauren Kaye Brown, who has been charged with concealing a serious indictable offence.

No formal pleas have been entered.

Their matters have been adjourned to December 11.