Darwin court: Jake Fenner denied bail as he faces charges for the murder of his father
A Top End man accused of murdering his dad, who was found dead in their family pool, has made a bid for freedom before a Darwin Judge. Latest from court.
Police & Courts
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A man charged with the murder of his 71-year-old father has been denied bail in the Darwin Local Court.
Jake Joshua Fenner, 29, was told he would not be permitted to return to the home where the alleged crime took place.
Mr Fenner was charged with his father’s death after the man was found unresponsive in a swimming pool at his McMillans Rd home on November 4, 2023.
He is also charged with several unrelated driving offences including not stopping after a crash and attempting to pervert the course of justice and making a false police report for a 2020 incident, also mentioned in court.
His lawyer, Josh Bach, said there was a low chance of reoffending given the unique domestic situation, and that Mr Fenner had been offered employment.
He said the alleged offending could have been an act of self-defence given significant injuries and lacerations to Mr Fenner’s head, and that going on bail would allow Mr Fenner to help take care of his mother.
Mr Bach said there had been “no direct witnesses” despite neighbours “who hear what is happening”, “but no one who has directly seen” what allegedly occurred.
“There are cameras that do not capture the incident, but Mr Fenner and the deceased coming and going, and there is a triple-0 call from Mr Fenner asking for assistance with the deceased,” Mr Bach said.
He added that his client could be held on remand for a “lengthy period of time”.
Judge Therese Austin said she was not inclined to allow bail given a strong crown case that outlined the cause of death was not solely in line with drowning.
“I don’t find the defendant would interfere with witnesses, but having him in that house in their vicinity for such a serious matter may impact their ability to give free and frank evidence,” Judge Austin said.
She said Mr Fenner’s history of allegedly trying to beat the law in regards to his 2020 offences was also relevant, considering he had missed his first court date.
Mr Fenner remains remanded in custody and will return to Darwin Local Court on May 15 for a Preliminary Examination Mention.
No pleas have been mentioned.
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