Sarah Gatt’s accused killer acted out of jealousy, anger, court told

A man allegedly killed his ex-partner and kept her body in a bathtub for months because he was jealous she was in a same-sex relationship, a court has heard.

Allison Gorman, Kathleen, Victor and Cheryl Gatt at a Victoria Police press conference after Sarah Gatt’s death. Picture: AAP

A jealous ex killed his former partner and stored her body in a bathtub for months while continuing to collect her Centrelink payments after she started a same-sex relationship, a court has heard.

Andrew Baker, 55, is on trial in Victoria’s Supreme Court charged with murdering Sarah Gatt at her Kensington home between April 19 and 23, 2017 — a month before she was to celebrate her 40th birthday.

He has denied any involvement in her death, which went unreported until police discovered her decomposed body at the flat eight months later in January 2018.

On the first day of the five-week trial on Tuesday, prosecutor John Dickie told the jury Ms Gatt’s remains had been found with her pants down around her ankles, and household items including a desk lamp and hairdryer placed on top of her.

A blanket was also thrown over the top of the bath to conceal what was inside, with a wheelie bin nearby containing a soft toy sitting atop other household items.

Andrew Baker is charged with murdering Sarah Gatt at her Kensington home a month before her 40th birthday.

Mr Dickie alleged Mr Baker killed Ms Gatt as he was not happy she had been dating Leona Rei-Paku, and accused her of being a “slut” and “cock-hungry” for sleeping with other blokes.

Letters found by police from Mr Baker to Ms Gatt revealed his love for her and how his life did not exist if he could not have her, Mr Dickie said.

“He’s alleged to have killed Sarah Gatt violently in her home in Kensington,” Mr Dickie said.

“It is alleged he was motivated by jealousy and anger.

“He wanted Sarah Gatt to himself. He was particularly troubled by her relationship with Leona Rei-Paku.”

In the months after the killing, Mr Baker falsely told friends that he was back with Ms Gatt and that she was in rehab at a psychiatric hospital, Mr Dickie said.

He also continued to collect her disability support pension, he said.

Mr Dickie said other attempts, including sending text messages to himself from Ms Gatt’s phone, were made to convince people that she was still alive and not raise any suspicions.

Mr Baker even invited friends over to the house, telling them there was a body in the bath upstairs and to go and have a look., Mr Dickie said.

The court heard Mr Baker and Ms Gatt’s relationship was plagued with violence, drugs and mental health issues.

Triple-0 calls she had made to police in the months leading up to her death, reporting assaults by Mr Baker, would be played during the trial, Mr Dickie said.

Forensic detectives leave Sarah Gatt’s house in Kensington.

Ms Rei-Paku is also among 40 witnesses who will be called to testify.

Defence barrister John Saunders said his client was innocent.

“Andrew Baker did not murder Sarah Gatt,” he said. “He is not responsible for her death.”

Mr Saunders said it was not in dispute that Mr Baker had stayed at the house and invited associates there, knowing the body was there and without alerting authorities.

“That behaviour may well shock you, ladies and gentleman,” he told the jury.

But he urged them to be careful about judging that behaviour, because “they are people who live on the outskirts of our society”.

“Their day to day lives differ significantly,” Mr Saunders said, adding how they are more concerned about finding food, somewhere to sleep and their next booze or drug hit.

The court heard Mr Baker was often homeless, staying at shelters and friend’s places.

The trial, before Justice Jane Dixon, continues.