Murdered mum Sarah Gatt’s partner allegedly claimed benefits after her death
The partner of a Kensington woman, whose body lay undiscovered in her bathtub for nine months, has skipped court over benefits fraud, after he allegedly claimed her payments for months.
Law & Order
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A warrant has been issued for the arrest of the partner of slain mum Sarah Gatt after he failed to show at court for the second time over a Centrelink fraud.
Andrew Baker, 52, is accused of claiming Ms Gatt’s social welfare payments as she lay dead in the bathtub at her Kensington unit for almost nine months.
No-one has been charged with her murder.
Mr Baker, who also goes by the name Andrew Mullarkey, was due to face Melbourne Magistrates Court today.
But magistrate Kate Hawkins established he was not in attendance following some initial confusion surrounding another unrelated case in the court with a man of the same name and born in the same year.
Crown prosecutor Alexandra Smith told the court there had been a “mishap” with two Mr Baker’s listed in the court today.
“I have spoken to that man and it is not him,” Ms Smith said. “He is here for police summary matters.”
She said the Mr Baker she stood to prosecute over obtaining financial advantage by deception was not at court.
“He failed to appear at the last mention. It is my understanding he is homeless,” Ms Smith said. “We will be seeking a warrant.”
Ms Hawkins issued the warrant.
The Department of Health and Human Services charged Mr Baker earlier this year, and he was summonsed to first appear at court on July 4.
When he failed to appear on that day, the case was adjourned to today to give him a second opportunity to attend.
Mr Baker is alleged to have unlawfully received payments of disability support pension and carer’s allowance for Ms Gatt between May 2017 and February 2018.
Police suspect the 40-year-old mother was killed around April 19, 2017.
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Her body was not found in the bath of her Lambeth St unit until January 3 last year.
The homicide investigation into Ms Gatt’s death continues. It is not suggested that Mr Baker is a suspect in her death.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.