Lawyer for murder accused Chris Hughes will take instructions by July, court hears

The legal team representing the man accused of murdering Jennifer Board are looking to escalate his case to a higher court. Read what was said in court >>

THE legal team representing the man accused of murdering Jennifer Board are looking to escalate his case to a higher court.

In Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday, the lawyer representing Christopher Michael Hughes told Magistrate Richard Lehmann that a submission had been sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office in March in an effort to expedite the matter to a higher court without a committal taking place.

Chris Hughes is facing a charge of murder.

Hughes faces a charge of murder and of driving a motor vehicle without a driver's licence – both arising from the crash which killed young Townsville woman Jennifer Board in 2021.

It is alleged that while chasing a stolen car on Ross River Rd, Hughes lost control of his car after ramming the vehicle.

His car struck Ms Board, 22, who had been travelling in the opposite direction.

She was unable to be saved.

It was heard that two conferences would be held with Hughes, both in late June, to take instructions before another submission would be sent to the DPP.

“It is hoped by July 18 we will be in a position to advise the court of (our) client’s instructions,” the lawyer said.

Hughes’ matter will return to court on July 19 for mention.

Originally published as Lawyer for murder accused Chris Hughes will take instructions by July, court hears