David Vale stabbing death: Woman charged with accessory after fact to murder, Leearna Nicole Davis, granted bail

A woman charged with assisting the alleged murderer of a Mid-North Coast father-of-nine has been granted a $200,000 bail deal. Here’s the latest on the case.

A woman charged with assisting an alleged murderer has been granted bail with a $200,000 surety and ordered to stay away from Kempsey.

Leearna Nicole Davis has been charged with accessory after the fact to murder in relation to the alleged stabbing death of well-known Kempsey man David Vale on the night of March 1.

Emergency services were called to Robert Eggins St, South Kempsey about 11pm on the day, but Mr Vale could not be saved and died in the arms of his nephew, according to family.

Conrad Peter Lardner has been charged with murder and refused bail.

It will be alleged by police Mr Vale died due to a single stab wound inflicted by a knife during a street fight with Lardner, who was known to him.

Police will allege Vale divulged the name of his killer with his dying breath.

Kempsey man David Vale was stabbed to death earlier this year. Conrad Peter Lardner has been charged with murder, while Leearna Nicole Davis has been charged as an accessory to murder. Picture: Supplied

Lakeesha Vale at the memorial for her father David set up outside the South Kempsey home, formerly occupied by David's nephew, where he died from stab wounds. Picture: Janine Watson

Police make arrests in relation to Kempsey stabbing death

Jessica Howard outside Kempsey Local Court on May 18. Picture: Janine Watson

A man and a woman arrested in May after a stabbing death at Kempsey on the night of March 1, 2023. Picture: NSW Police.

Conrad Peter Lardner, 38, has been charged with murdering David Vale in Kempsey earlier this year. Picture: Facebook

Following her arrest in May, Davis was initially refused bail at Kempsey Local Court, but on July 19 she was granted conditional bail with a surety of $200,000.00 court documents state.

She must report to Lake Illawarra Police Station each day and can only leave her Warilla home for medical or legal appointments.

Davis must not go within 500 metres of overseas departure points and can only have one phone.

When Davis was initially denied bail, Mr Vale’s family members, including his widow Jessica Howard cheered the decision and spoke to the media, paying tribute to “the best father anyone could ever have”.

“He was a warrior of his town,” Ms Howard said.

“He’s got nine children. A life taken too short. We’re just hoping to get answers and justice for what happened to David.”

Mr Vale’s eldest daughter, Lakeesha Vale, also paid tribute to her dad and spoke of her relief charges have been laid.

“His kids could stand over him actually – he was probably too kind-hearted,” Lakeesha said.

Both Lardner’s and Davis’s matters are listed for further mention at Kempsey Local Court on September 20.