Manangatang murder case delayed as defence seek more documents

A man allegedly entered a Manangatang home with a knife and an intent to assault a person inside. He’s since been charged with murder.

The case of a man charged with the murder of a seasonal fruit picker in a small rural Victoria town has been delayed.

Dael Daniel Newman, 41, appeared in the Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning via video link from prison.

Court documents reveal the Homicide Squad has charged Newman with counts of murder, trespassing and intentionally causing injury.

The prosecution alleges Newman, armed with a knife, broke into a house on Wattle St, in the small town of Manangatang, on March 30 this year.

It is alleged Newman knew somebody was home and intended to assault them.

Homicide detectives at the Manangatang house where Dave Gaskell was killed. Picture: Brittany Carlson.

After gaining entry Newman allegedly injured a woman and murdered Dave Gaskell, who was aged 58.

Newman’s defence barrister, Raphael de Vietri, sought a six-week adjournment in the case on Wednesday.

He said one of the key statements — from the surviving witness — had not yet been tendered.

He argued this was required so the defence could properly analyse the brief and determine whether the charges would be contested, and on what grounds.

The post-mortem examination report has also not yet been provided to the defence, the court heard.

The magistrate ordered the documents be provided to the defence this week.

Newman did not apply for bail.

He was remanded in custody to reappear in court in October.