Sex worker Jenny Hayes to stand trial over Point Cook fire that killed young family
There’s been a development in the case of a sex worker charged with triple murder over a fire that killed a young family, including an infant.
A woman charged with triple murder over a Point Cook townhouse fire that killed a young family, including a three-week-old baby, will stand trial in the Victorian Supreme Court in November.
Appearing via video link from prison, Jenny Hayes kept her head bowed and sobbed loudly while her matter was heard before Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth on Wednesday.
She has pleaded not guilty to three charges of murder and three charges of causing death by arson.
Ms Hayes is accused of starting the blaze in the early hours of December 2020 that ripped through the upper level of the townhouse.
Inderpal Singh, 28, Abigail Forrest, 19, and their three-week-old baby Ivy Forrest were inside.
Police allege Ms Hayes, a sex worker, did not know any of the alleged victims and it was believed she was visiting another person at the home.
The alleged circumstances of the fire are yet to be aired in court.
Neighbours desperately tried to break an upstairs window with an axe to free the young family, but they were forced back by the ferocity of the blaze, which destroyed the house in a matter of minutes.
Abigail’s sister Emily Forrest gave an emotional tribute to her younger sibling after the tragedy, saying she had the “biggest, boldest personality”.
“She was an amazing mum; she just took to it like a duck to water. I’m so incredibly proud of her,” Emily said.
“She was absolutely smitten. She was so over the moon to become a mum and she did so well.”
Ms Hayes will appear in court for a contest mention ahead of her three-week trial on November 7.