Novy Chardon feared going to police, friends tells murder trial

A close friend of Novy Chardon has told the murder trial of Novy’s husband she was scared he would kill her if she went to police over his “crazy” behaviour.

A sketch of John Chardon at his Supreme Court trial

NOVY Chardon was reportedly scared her husband would kill her if she went to police over his “crazy” behaviour, a court has heard.

John Chardon is accused of killing his wife Novy on or about February 6, 2013.

He has pleaded not guilty to the murder in Brisbane Supreme Court.

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Novy was last seen on the Gold Coast more than six years ago. She has not used her bank accounts, left the country and seen a doctor since that date but her body has never been found, the court has heard.

Her car was found nearby the Nerang train station on about five days after Novy went missing.

Merciana Sonata, a close friend of Novy’s, told the court today the 34-year-old was scared of her husband and described him as “crazy”.

“He (Chardon) seemed to be an unreasonable man. Her exact words are that he was crazy,” Ms Sonata said.

“She told me that she had a very bad marriage. She was very stressed out about her husband at the time.

“She just wanted someone to talk to.”

Novy Chardon

Her friend Merciana Sonata outside court today. Picture: Richard Gosling/AAP

During questioning from Crown prosecutor Mark Green, Ms Sonata said she urged Novy to report certain incidents with her husband to police.

“When I questioned her about getting some help either from the police or someone else she said: ‘Are you crazy Merci? He’ll kill me,” she said.

Ms Sonata also reportedly warned Novy to ensure her and Chardon’s two young children were not exposed to the fighting between them.

“(I told her) It was important the children did not see or hear anything that goes on that she told me about,” she said.

The court also heard evidence from Gold Coast real estate Glenn Batten, who told the court Chardon had met with the man to discuss buying a property.

He thought it “wasn’t correct” to hear Chardon use “crass” terms and call his wife a “f***ing b****” in front of his children, who he had brought to the real estate appointment.

“It’s certainly not something I would do,” Mr Batten said.

The trial continues.

Originally published as Novy Chardon feared going to police, friends tells murder trial