John Torney charged over death of Cobram woman Emma Bates

A man has been charged over the death of a Cobram woman — his neighbour — who was found dead in her home earlier this year.

Emma Bates was found dead at her Cobram home earlier this year Picture: Supplied

A homicide charge has been laid over the death of Cobram woman Emma Bates.

John Torney, 40, was charged last Friday with the negligent manslaughter of 49-year-old Ms Bates on April 23 this year.

She was found dead at her Campbell Rd home on that date.

Torney had previously been charged with intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, common law assault, aggravated assault of a female and unlawful assault.

Cobram CIU detectives laid the negligent manslaughter charge last Friday.

Torney — who is remanded in custody — will face Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

“The investigation remains ongoing,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

Ms Bates was found with significant injuries to her head and upper body, forensics deeming they were consistent with being assaulted.

John Torney has been charged over the death of Ms Bates. Picture: Mark Stewart

Ms Bates had long battled health issues, including Type 1 diabetes, and required a mobility scooter to travel around.

Her official cause of death following the assault was listed as “diabetic ketoacidosis in a diabetic woman with a head injury” her family told the Herald Sun.

It is believed Ms Bates and Torney, who were neighbours, had begun a relationship in the lead up to her death.

Ms Bates’ sister, Rachel, told the Herald Sun in a moving tribute shortly after the murder that her sister was “warm and loving” and was known for her love of cats.

“Emma wasn’t blessed with children but was a proud aunt to her 17 nieces and nephews. They were her pride and joy and she would spend hours talking about them to everyone,” she said.

“It’s tragic that her big heart has led her to a friendship with a man who (has been charged with harming her) … No one deserves that.”