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Rajwinder Singh, 39, faces trial over the alleged 2018 murder of Toyah Cordingley

More than six years after the body of Toyah Cordingley, 24, was found on Wangetti Beach, Rajwinder Singh, 39, will be tried for her murder before a jury.

Toyah Cordingley died in October 2018. Picture: Supplied
Toyah Cordingley died in October 2018. Picture: Supplied

The trial of Rajwinder Singh, 39, charged with the murder of Far North Queensland woman Toyah Cordingley, is scheduled to begin in the Cairns Supreme Court on Tuesday.

It has been 2318 days since the young pharmacy assistant’s body was found by her father at Wangetti Beach north of the city after an extensive search.

She was allegedly murdered the day before on October 21, 2018.

The trial before Justice James Henry is expected to take four weeks.

Ms Cordingley, 24, had gone to Wangetti Beach that afternoon to walk her dog.

When she did not return home as expected that evening, her family raised concerns and went to look for her.

Toyah Cordingley, who was allegedly murdered at Wangetti Beach in October 2018, aged 24. Picture: Facebook.
Toyah Cordingley, who was allegedly murdered at Wangetti Beach in October 2018, aged 24. Picture: Facebook.

When her body was found, her dog and her car were nearby.

Rajwinder Singh was charged with one count of murder in March 2023.

The case was committed for trial in the Supreme Court in 2023.

Mr Singh has been represented by Angus Edwards KC, instructed by Brydie Bilic and Michael Finch from Fisher Dore Lawyers.

The Crown is represented by senior prosecutor Nathan Crane.

Mr Singh will be required to enter a plea on the first day of the trial, which will proceed if he says he is “not guilty”.

Rajwinder Singh will stand trial this week, charged with the murder of Toyah Cordingley. Picture: Supplied
Rajwinder Singh will stand trial this week, charged with the murder of Toyah Cordingley. Picture: Supplied

Jury selection is expected to take place on Tuesday, followed by instructions to the jury by Justice Henry about matters of law relevant to the case and the particular responsibilities of a jury.

The Crown Prosecutor and the Defence Barrister will then deliver their opening addresses, which will provide a summary of the case, the witnesses to be called and the evidence that is expected to be heard during the trial.

Originally published as Rajwinder Singh, 39, faces trial over the alleged 2018 murder of Toyah Cordingley

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/cairns/rajwinder-singh-39-faces-trial-over-the-alleged-2018-murder-of-toyah-cordingley/news-story/cc2e3f3d6062c4c234e5539ab0a5d427