Matthew Breckenridge charged with the murder of Scott Parrot at Beresfield train station
A Newcastle man charged with the murder of another man at Beresfield train station has appeared in court. Read what happened.
Newcastle
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A Newcastle man appeared via video link from Maitland Local Court calmly listening to proceedings, and even yawned, as he faced the charge of murder following an alleged deadly assault.
Matthew Robert Breckenridge, 27, was arrested not far from Beresfield train station on Monday after 39-year-old Scott Parrot was found critically injured on the platform just after 6pm.
Paramedics treated the man at the scene, however he wasn’t able to overcome his injuries.
Police set up a crime scene and an investigation into the incident before Breckenridge was found inside a train in the rail corridor about an hour after the alleged incident.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace police station where he was charged with murder.
On Tuesday, the court heard at the time of the alleged offence, Breckenridge had a warrant out for his arrest.
The court heard he was also facing a raft of other charges which included shoplifting, stolen goods and custody of a knife in a public place.
His legal aid solicitor Alberto Noronha said his client would not be making an application for bail for the more serious charge.
“This matter today is of a different spectrum,” he said.
“He is not seeking to seek bail at this stage, he hasn’t seen any evidence, hasn’t seen what options he has.”
He told the court Breckenridge “had a mountain to climb”, but the prosecution were “totally reliant on audiovisual evidence” and questioned whether that would be sufficient.
Magistrate Ron Maiden said having read the facts, he considered the prosecution did have an extremely strong case.
He raised concerns of the 27-year-old’s “considerable history” and that he would have “grave reservations” whether he would comply with any bail conditions, if proposed.
The court heard Breckenridge is facing a charge of larceny for allegedly stealing a bottle of alcohol at Kotara in October, and also for allegedly stealing almost $500 worth of goods from a retailer on the same day.
At the time, police allege he also had in his possession a red coloured push knife.
Breckenridge will be back in court on Thursday regarding the lesser charges, and the charge of murder has been adjourned until February next year.
Magistrate Maiden also recommended he receive medical treatment in custody as soon as possible after a request was raised by the police prosecutor.
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