John’s defence lawyer Craig Eberhardt smashes the credibility of three key Australia Day witnesses as they try to deny obvious references to illicit drug use in text messages about “lollies”. Their evidence of hearing John say hatefully that Shandee should be stabbed is undermined. Craig highlights a tenuous purported DNA ‘link’ between William Daniel and the murder – and when a forensic scientist says it is statistically “meaningless”, the judge tells the jury to ignore his comment. Cyclone Debbie looms and tensions rise as William Daniel’s lengthy criminal history is read to the jury, sparking fiery scenes.

To contact Hedley Thomas anonymously with any information on Shandee’s Story email here – Shandee@theaustralian.com.au