Bobby Andrew Weaver’s defence team attempts to discredit key witness in teacher killer case

A last-ditch attempt has been made to discredit the prosecution’s key witness in the murder case against the man accused of killing retired Ipswich teacher David Thornton.

Brisbane high school teacher David Thornton

A key witness in a murder case, who claims the man accused of killing an Ipswich teacher had confessed to him while on remand, has been called into question in a last-ditch move by the defence.

Former Bremer State High School teacher David Thornton’s body was found buried inside a freezer in his Goodna backyard in April, 2019.

His longtime neighbour Bobby Andrew Weaver, 29, was extradited to Queensland from Byron Bay shortly after and charged with his murder.

Five years later, Mr Weaver is still remanded in custody waiting for his date before the Brisbane Supreme Court.

His defence team made a last-minute attempt on March 25, 2024, to obtain new evidence they claim would call a key witness into question.

Bobby Andrew Weaver enters the Ipswich watch house after being arrested for the murder of former high school teacher David Thornton, 58. Picture: Cordell Richardson.

Ipswich Magistrate’s Court had previously heard in December 2022 that a former inmate had been trusted with a confession while Mr Weaver was on remand.

He also claimed to have been given documents in Mr Weaver’s handwriting.

Defence lawyer Alexis Oxley told the Brisbane Magistrate’s Court on March 25 that the prosecution’s case against her client hinged on the witness’ testimony.

But she said material tendered on the man’s behalf during a previous bail application of his, concerning his mental health, may cause some concerns to rise about his capacity.

She made an application to access the affidavit, which she said was in a sealed envelope on his Magistrates’ Court file.

But Magistrate Mark Nolan said he didn’t have the authority to grant access to that material, since the matter has already been indicted to the Supreme Court.

He dismissed the application, advising Ms Oxley to make an application through the Supreme Court.

The witness, 58, is currently charged with more than 100 unrelated offences, including multiple counts of fraud, stealing and possessing tainted property.

He told the court he was in the process of seeking a lawyer and that he intended to contest some of the charges.

Those matters were adjourned to June 10.

Originally published as Bobby Andrew Weaver’s defence team attempts to discredit key witness in teacher killer case