By Erin Pearson
A senior university lecturer has admitted murdering his wife at their home in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
Adam Brown, a media and communications academic at Deakin University, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court via a video link from the Melbourne Assessment Prison on Tuesday, following his arrest over the death of Chen Cheng, 35, earlier this year.
When asked how he wished to plead, the emotional 40-year-old said: “Guilty, your honour.”
Magistrate Rohan Lawrence told Brown his case would be sent to the Supreme Court.
“I note the plea you have entered today as guilty. No application for bail is made,” Lawrence said.
Brown’s guilty plea followed his treating psychologist’s compulsory questioning in court after she previously refused to make a statement to police.
Deakin University lecturer Adam Brown and wife Chen Cheng.
Details of what was said during that examination was not made public, as psychologist Cathy Fowler was questioned in a closed court.
Prosecutor Anna Dearman earlier indicated her team would seek to obtain evidence regarding the relationship between Brown and Cheng.
Dearman said the psychologist had previously conducted sessions with Brown before Cheng’s death, and said any information gathered from the examination could prompt further police investigations.
Police and other emergency services were initially called to a home on Patrick Avenue in Croydon North following reports of an assault at about 10.15pm on April 30.
Paramedics treated Cheng at the scene, but she died soon after. Brown was arrested and charged with her murder days later.
At the time, Deakin University vice-chancellor Iain Martin said campuses at Geelong, Burwood and Warrnambool would hold a candlelight vigil to remember Cheng and other women lost to violence.
“Our entire Deakin community is shocked and saddened by the death of Chen Cheng. We extend our deepest sympathies to Chen’s family and friends,” the professor said.
“Everyone has the right to live, work and study in a safe and supportive environment. Deakin is steadfast in its commitment to oppose all forms of domestic and family violence, and we will continue to improve our programs and support services.”
Adam Brown was arrested and charged with his wife’s murder in May.Credit: Facebook
Brown’s social media profiles say he worked as a senior lecturer in digital media at Deakin University in Melbourne, and previously as a lecturer at the Geelong campus, and has an interest in social media, digital learning and gamification.
The university declined to comment when contacted on Tuesday.
An earlier hearing was told this is Brown’s first time in custody. He is due to appear before the Supreme Court later this month.
Cheng’s family lives in China.
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
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