NT Police ‘too busy’ for welfare check before alleged murder of Malak woman

NT Police were ‘too busy’ to attend a welfare check for a Malak woman just nine hours before her alleged murder. DETAILS.

NT Police are investigating the suspicious death of a 43-year-old woman in Magdelene Ct, Malak, on Wednesday August 21. Picture: Jason Walls

NT Police were “too busy” to conduct a welfare check for a Malak woman nine hours before she was allegedly murdered by her partner.

The 43-year-old woman was found dead in her home on August 21 following a report to police at 12.10am.

Her 57-year-old partner Desmond Frankie Booth was later charged with murder, as well as breaching a domestic violence order.

The Australian reported on Thursday Territory Families had requested a welfare check for the woman at about 3pm, just nine hours before her death.

But it has been reported police were “too busy” to attend due to higher priority incidents.

The national masthead reported Mr Booth had previously been barred from contacting the woman for two decades.

The Australian reported police initially said at a press conference they had received no calls from neighbours in relation to the incident until the alleged murder was reported.

But an NT Police spokeswoman told the NT News that “at least one report” had been made to police in the afternoon prior.

“This report, including the associated police response, now forms part of the coronial investigation,” the spokeswoman said.

“Both the criminal and coronial investigations into the death are ongoing, with a 57-year-old man currently before the court.

“Detectives are urging anyone with information in relation to this investigation to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2400082062.”

NT Police on the scene in Malak on August 21, 2024 after a 43-year-old woman was found deceased at a residence on Magdelene Court overnight. Picture: Jason Walls

The spokeswoman said police acknowledged the concerns raised around cops’ response to the incident.

“We want to reassure the community that the safety and well-being of every individual in the Northern Territory is our top priority,” she said.

A Territory Families, Housing, and Communities spokesperson said the matter was currently with police and the department could not comment on the individual case’s details.

The spokesperson said the department extended its “deepest sympathies” to the woman’s family and friends.

“Violence against women is never okay, everyone deserves to feel safe – whether that’s in their home, at work, or in the community,” they said.

“The safety of domestic and family violence victim survivors is an absolute priority.

“We have a range of systems and services in place to reduce risk and respond to those needing support, including providing emergency accommodation and legal assistance.

“The Family Safety Framework is part of the Northern Territory Government’s ongoing commitment to domestic and family violence responses and is an essential component to keeping women and children safe.

“The framework doesn’t exist in isolation: pivotal to the risk management process is a collaborative approach between agency partners.”

In the Territory, it is mandatory to report domestic and family violence to police.

This includes incidents where someone has been hurt or is in danger of being hurt.

Having faced court for the first time on Thursday, Mr Booth was remanded in custody.

He is expected to return to court on October 16 for a preliminary examination mention, two weeks after the service of the brief is set to be completed on October 3.

Originally published as NT Police ‘too busy’ for welfare check before alleged murder of Malak woman