Raymond John Binge denied bail over alleged Yeronga murder of Michael Thomas Chesworth

A man has been charged with murder after he allegedly threw an elderly man over a balcony because he didn’t have cigarettes.

An man charged with murder after allegedly throwing an elderly man over a balcony because he didn’t have cigarettes will remain behind bars after being refused bail.

Emergency services were called to a School Rd unit block in Yeronga, a riverside suburb of Brisbane, following reports a 74-year-old had fallen from a first floor balcony on October 1.

That man has since been identified as Michael Thomas Chesworth.

Michael Chesworth was allegedly thrown from a balcony at a unit block in Yeronga.

Police will allege Raymond John Binge, 49, threw Mr Chesworth over the balcony, where he hit the cement below.

Mr Chesworth suffered critical head injuries in the fall and was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital where he later died.

Originally from St George, Mr Binge was later charged with one count of murder over the death.

Mr Binge applied for bail in the Brisbane Supreme Court, which was rejected by Justice Paul Freeburn on Thursday.

“Mr Binge and some others were drinking, at some point Mr Binge went to a nearby unit,” Justice Freeburn said.

“It’s alleged he there threw a 74-year-old man from the balcony which ultimately led to that man’s death.”

Director of Public Prosecution prosecutor Emily McGregor said Mr Binge had allegedly became angry towards Mr Chesworth after searching for cigarettes.

“His motivation appears to be frustration (about) not having a cigarette combined with the applicant’s own intoxication,” Ms McGregor said.

She told the court the DPP opposed the bail application because Mr Binge posed a “significant risk” to the community” if released on bail.

Police allege Michael Chesworth was thrown over the balcony before his death.

Justice Freeburn determined there was an “unacceptable risk” to the community if Mr Binge was granted bail.

“The court cannot be confident Mr Binge will comply with (bail) conditions that might be imposed,” he said.

Mr Binge’s barrister, Joshua Jones, said his client was “largely homeless” but would have strong support from family if released on bail.

“If he was incalcitrant towards police, if he consumed alcohol … he would very quickly be returned to custody,” Mr Jones said.

Previously, Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham told reporters in October the alleged attack was “callous and unprovoked”.

“Information police obtained related to the 49-year-old man (says he was allegedly) going door to door quite aggressively seeking certain items,” he said

“The nature of what those items are is still subject to investigation.”

Police will allege Mr Binge knocked on Mr Chesworth’s door while he was at home with his partner.

Michael Chesworth was taken to hospital after the fall but died shortly after.

“We allege that he answered the door and within a very short period of time there was a disagreement between the two men during the course of that disagreement we allege the 49-year-old man has physically picked up the deceased and thrown him headfirst over the railing onto the concrete below,” Detective Superintendent Massingham said.

Mr Binge then allegedly went to a unit he didn’t live in before he was found by police and taken into custody.

Mr Chesworth was rushed into emergency last night but could not be saved despite the efforts of hospital staff.

Police do not believe the men were known to each other.

The matter will return to Brisbane Magistrates Court in December for further mention.

Originally published as Raymond John Binge denied bail over alleged Yeronga murder of Michael Thomas Chesworth