Jenoa Sutton: Murder accused Rodney Dempsey refused bail

The man accused of the grisly murder of Jenoa Sutton in a Lithgow bathroom in 2012 has made a bid for bail. Rodney Dempsey was charged with the crime in February, eight years after the body of his ex-partner was found.

Rodney Dempsey made a bid for freedom in Bathurst Local Court on Friday. He is charged with the 2012 murder of Lithgow woman Jenoa Sutton.

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The man accused of the grisly murder of Jenoa Sutton in a Lithgow bathroom in 2012 has made a bid for freedom.

Rodney Dempsey, of Bowenfels, applied for bail before Magistrate Cate Follent at Bathurst Local Court on Friday.

However, his application was denied, meaning he will remain behind bars until at least August 13.

Police allege Dempsey killed his ex-partner Ms Sutton in March, 2012.

Sutton’s body was found by her sister in the bathtub of her Macauley St home at about 4.15pm on March 8.

Jenoa Sutton was found dead in her bathtub in 2012. A post-mortem found she had died from head injuries and drowning.

A post-mortem examination found she had died from head injuries and drowning.

Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad established Strike Force Aubin to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

Dempsey was arrested in Katoomba on the morning of February 20 this year and charged with murder.

At a press conference, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said the arrest followed eight years of “very determined, tenacious work”.

Rodney Dempsey is pictured during his arrest in Katoomba in February.

“I would say every investigative avenue was chased down, but more importantly, the advances in forensic technology greatly assisted us,” he said.

“It’s been a long journey for (Sutton’s family) over eight years, but they’re pleased police haven’t given up, and again, will never give up.’’

Dempsey’s lawyer had previously applied for a non-publication order to protect his name, Sutton’s name, and other parties involved.

Magistrate Follent partially granted the application, but did not prevent the publication of Dempsey’s or Sutton’s names.

Dempsey will next appear before Lithgow Local Court for committal on August 13.