Michael Kurt Pringle fronts Ipswich court, as alleged murder victim’s family demand justice

The family of alleged murder victim Krystle Monks is calling for the teen’s ex-boyfriend, and alleged killer, to ‘face’ them after another court date passed without him present.

Michael Kurt Pringle is accused of murdering Bundamba teenager Krystle Monks. Picture Supplied

Another day in court has passed without Krystle Monks’ alleged killer appearing and now his former girlfriend’s family is calling for him to “face” them.

Dinmore’s Michael Kurt Pringle, 21, stands charged with murdering his girlfriend Krystle Monks.

Ms Monks died in hospital after she was found collapsed on the floor of a Bundamba home in February this year.

Police allege Mr Pringle initially told police Ms Monks fell off a bed and suffered head injuries, but he was charged and taken into custody after an autopsy was conducted.

Ms Monks’ friends and family rallied at the Ipswich courthouse on Friday hoping to catch a glimpse of the 19-year-old barista’s alleged killer.

But they were left disappointed for the second time in a row.

Barista Krystle Monks, 19, died in hospital on Sunday, February 5 after she collapsed in a Bundamba home. Picture: Facebook

At Mr Pringle’s first mention at Brisbane arrest court, the court heard he had asked not to be brought into the courtroom and remain at the watch-house instead.

Magistrate Deborah Vasta noted this was unusual and he was “supposed to be brought before court on a first court date”.

Mr Pringle did not appear for his second mention in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Friday either.

He was not required to appear on this occasion, but still his lack of appearance frustrated Ms Monks’ family.

Her sister Janette Monks said they felt he was avoiding the situation.

“He should face us,” she said.

Krystle Monks’ stepfather Steven Taylor said the past month and a half had simply been “crap” for the family.

“We have our days, we have our moments,” he said.

Janette Monks, sister of Krystle Monks. Picture: Nicola McNamara

Janette Monks said her sister’s death had reinvigorated her passion for justice, and was the “cake topper” that spurred her to begin studying criminology.

She said she expected she may have her degree before there was an outcome in the case against Mr Pringle.

Ms Monks and Mr Taylor were joined in court today by a group of Krystle’s friends and family members.

Mr Pringle was represented by Yassar Khan, of Bouchier Khan Lawyers, who requested a brief of evidence against his client be provided.

He noted this had been requested at the last mention in Brisbane, but he said the brief had not yet been transferred from the police jurisdiction.

Magistrate Robert Walker ordered a brief be provided by May 5.

He scheduled the matter for mention in Ipswich Magistrates Court on June 12 to ensure it was progressing.

Mr Walker noted it was “often the case” there might be delays for “these sorts” of matters.

Mr Pringle will not be required to appear on that date.

He remains in custody on remand at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre.

Originally published as Michael Kurt Pringle fronts Ipswich court, as alleged murder victim’s family demand justice