15 witnesses set to be called in alleged killing of Emma Bates
A large cast of 15 witnesses will be called over the alleged killing of a Cobram woman by her neighbour, with the matter also being moved from Shepparton to Melbourne.
Goulburn Valley
Don't miss out on the headlines from Goulburn Valley. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A large cast of witnesses are set to be called to give evidence over the death of a Cobram woman allegedly at the hands of her neighbour, while the matter is moved to Melbourne.
John Torney, 40, appeared in the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday over the alleged killing of his neighbour Emma Bates.
Mr Torney, who appeared via video link from Melbourne Remand Centre, had previously been facing a raft of assault-related charges following Ms Bates’ death, but was charged with negligent manslaughter in December last year.
He was also charged with intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, common law assault, aggravated assault of a female and unlawful assault.
On April 23, 2024 police found Ms Bates in her home following a welfare check and Mr Torney was later arrested outside the Betta Electrical in Cobram.
Ms Bates and Mr Torney, who were neighbours, had begun a relationship in the lead up to her death.
It had been alleged at Mr Torney’s bail application in October that he would “chop her up” into little pieces and make his brother clean it up.
The court heard there would be 15 witnesses called in the matter.
Magistrate Olivia Trumble also questioned whether the Shepparton court was a suitable venue for such a lengthy court hearing, before it was agreed the matter needed to be moved to Melbourne.
Ms Trumble asked defence lawyer Kyle McLaughlin whether they wanted to fast-track the matters through to the Supreme Court.
Mr Torney, sporting a patchy beard, was seen frowning throughout the hearing.
A committal hearing in the magistrates’ court could determine whether the matter has enough evidence to head to the Supreme Court.
In 2015, Mr Torney was acquitted of murdering his partner’s daughter, two-year-old Nikki Francis Coslovich, in their Mildura home.
Mr Torney will next appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on April 9.
Shepparton sale and auction results, week ending March 22
Echuca proved to be a hot market last week with five properties selling for a total value of $2.8 million. See the latest auction and sales results.
Jailed blow torch arsonist from Shepparton appeals sentence
One of two brothers jailed for torching a Shepparton house as its occupants lay sleeping has gone to the Supreme Court in a bid to lower his sentence.