Brian Barnes accused of killing Quambatook grandma Merril Kelly hit with further violence offences

The man accused of killing a community stalwart of the small Mallee community of Quambatook allegedly has been hit with fresh violence-related charges, a court has heard.

The accused killer of beloved Quambatook grandmother Merril Kelly who was well known for her charity and volunteering work has been hit with fresh charges relating to an alleged attack in prison, a court has heard.

Murder accused Brian Barnes, 67, appeared via video link from Thomas Embling medical centre with a swollen nose and bruised left eye.

Police allege Mr Barnes killed Ms Kelly following a heated dispute at the local swimming pool, with the accused allegedly posting a bizarre rant on social media following the incident that resulted in him being banned.

Brian Barnes charged with murder of Quambatook grandmother Merril Kelly. Picture: Instagram.

Her body was found at the old Quambatook cemetery amid a grass fire about 6.30am on January 21.

Ms Kelly was secretary of the Quambatook Community Development Association, secretary and treasurer of the Quambatook Amity Club, a friendship organisation, and an organiser at the town’s swimming pool.

Tributes for Ms Kelly — who is understood to have recently become a grandmother before her death — flowed from Quambatook locals, with people posting on Facebook that her death was a “huge loss for the town”.

The committal proceedings for the murder charge were moved to July after police were delayed in serving evidence on the defence.

Merril Kelly. Picture: Northern District Community Health

The court heard a medical examiner’s report – among other key evidence – was outstanding due to “standard difficulties” within Victoria Police.

The court heard Mr Barnes had been further charged on April 6 over an alleged assault while in jail.

A disgruntled Mr Barnes, who was transferred to Thomas Embling on April 23 for “involuntary treatment” told the court “there is nothing wrong with me”.

Repeatedly trying to address the court, Mr Barnes said he had “never spoken” to his new lawyer Tim Marsh and complained that his legal aid representatives had “from day one ... refused to follow my instructions.”

Magistrate Jarrod Williams silenced the accused before informing him that all of his charges would be adjourned to July 23 while the prosecution served evidence on the defence.