Man charged over Cairns Central stabbing murder too much of a safety risk to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court
On Sunday, Nicholas George Boak posted on his Facebook profile: “Heading to Cairns for four days of R&R. If anyone’s around shoot me a message.” By Wednesday night the 38-year-old had been charged with murder.
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On Sunday evening, Nicholas George Boak posted on his Facebook profile: “Heading to Cairns for four days of R&R. If anyone’s around shoot me a message.”
By Wednesday night the 38-year-old had been charged with the shocking murder of Michael Eaton in Cairns Central Shopping Centre that morning.
When it came time for him to appear in court on Thursday, he was deemed an “extreme safety risk” to watch house staff.
His solicitor, duty lawyer Natasha Jackson, told the court her client wished to be produced in court.
Police prosecutor Codi Dalley told the court if that was to occur, she would be asking to have the matter put off for half an hour as they would need a “particular team” to assist.
“The watch house have concerns about moving the defendant,” she said.
“He presents an extreme safety risk to the watch house staff, Your Honour,” Ms Dalley told Acting Magistrate Rowan Silva.
After considering a mental health assessment report, and whether it was appropriate to have Mr Boak appear in person, Mr Silva adjourned the matter for committal mention on December 15 and directed a brief of evidence be produced by November 24.
Mr Boak was remanded in custody, which is where he has been since he was arrested immediately after the incident at 8am on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, Acting Detective Inspector Police Kevin Goan said police were called to the shopping centre “in relation to an incident which occurred between two males on the ground floor”.
‘It appears a male has stabbed the other male; that person who was stabbed is now deceased,” he said.
“The person … has been taken into custody and our investigations are ongoing.”
Insp Goan said there were a number of witnesses to the events and there was CCTV footage available to police.
Insp Goan said the victim had suffered a “laceration” to his throat.
“He passed approximately 20 minutes after the wounds were inflicted.
“I can say the gentleman is known within the centre and the dealings he’s had with proprietors within the centre has been very positive. He readily engages with others and is described as a fairly laid back, easy going nice gentleman. More will be known in the coming hours and the next few days.”
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Originally published as Man charged over Cairns Central stabbing murder too much of a safety risk to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court
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