Maria James: Inquest date for Thornbury bookshop murder

Maria James’ family may finally get answers about her brutal murder in a Thornbury bookshop almost 40 years ago.

Maria James’ sons may finally get answers about their mother’s Thornbury bookshop murder after almost 40 years with an inquest to begin in September.

A coroner will examine who killed the mum-of-two as well as police bungling of forensic material and potentially crucial evidence.

There have been 34 witnesses identified but at least six are now dead.

Thornbury bookshop murder victim Maria James and son Adam at the Grampians in January 1980. Picture: File

Further interviews were being conducted including with the original homicide investigator.

The Coroners Court on Tuesday heard the long-awaited coronial brief — due almost a year ago — had been handed to the court.

It spanned more than 2000 pages and included more than 100 witness statements and more than 130 exhibits including audio recordings.

Counsel assisting Sharon Lacy told the court it was proposed the inquest would examine the circumstances of Ms James’ death including the identity of any person who may have caused it.

The adequacy of police investigations between 1980-82 and the force’s management and handling of exhibits would also be scrutinised including the impact on later forensic analysis.

A Homicide Squad detective outside the Thornbury bookshop where Ms James was murdered.

It was hoped the inquest would identify any lessons learned and changes to practices since Ms James’ death.

Ms Lacy told the court the coroner’s investigator was continuing to speak with witnesses, including a forensic expert in blood pattern analysis and a forensic pathologist who would provide a “contemporary interpretation” of the original pathology report.

Deputy State Coroner Caitlin English will rule in coming days on a request to access the case brief from ABC podcaster Rachael Brown who investigated Ms James’ death in the Trace true crime podcast.

Tim Tobin SC, on behalf of Ms Brown, told the court his client would give an undertaking not to publish the material or continue her own investigations but wanted to ensure the court had all necessary material needed to do its work and avoid any delays.

Ms English said the application was highly unusual

The court heard it may be possible for Ms Brown to assist through a statement or as a witness if her request, which Ms James’ sons Mark and Adam supported, wasn’t granted.

“This is an open homicide investigation,’’ Ms English said.

“It seems to be very unhelpful in terms of the administration of justice.”

Ms James was stabbed 68 times at the rear of her High Street bookshop on June 17, 1980.

DNA had cleared all suspects but one – paedophile Father Anthony Bongiorno, who died in 2002.

But a forensic bungle was later discovered, putting others back in the frame.

A 1982 coronial finding that Ms James was murdered by an unknown person was set aside two years ago.

The new inquest has been set down for three weeks starting September 6.