Jay Brogden’s accused murderer Gavin Philip Parnell in court for alleged robbery

A man awaiting trial for the murder of Jay Brogden appeared in court for other matters, claiming he had ‘no idea’ why he was there.

A man accused of murdering Whitsunday man Jay Brogden told a court he had “no idea” why he was appearing before a magistrate.

Gavin Philip Parnell was ushered into a conference room at Ipswich’s Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre.

As he appeared via videolink to Mackay Magistrates Court, Mr Parnell’s solicitor asked if the three summary matters listed for the day could be adjourned until her client’s more serious matters had been finalised.

Magistrate Damien Dwyer agreed and Mr Parnell’s solicitor hung up the phone.

Mr Dwyer asked Mr Parnell if he understood what was happening.

“Your Honour I have absolutely no idea why I’m here today,” Mr Parnell said.

Mr Dwyer shuffled through papers and began to reply: “[You have] two counts of stealing, breach of a probation order and...”

“Ah yeah and the armed robbery,” Mr Parnell said.

“But you’ve got some other matters in the supreme court,” Mr Dwyer said.

“Ah yeah, that’s for the murder trial, Your Honour,” Mr Parnell replied.

Mr Dwyer told Mr Parnell the matters for stealing, breach of probation and an armed robbery would be heard on May 13 to allow time for his trial on May 4.

The alleged robbery was said to have occurred in Cannonvale on August 12, 2008 while the two counts of stealing were alleged to have happened in July 2017 in Bakers Creek and Conningsby.

Mr Parnell asked Mr Dwyer if the murder trial would be happening in Mackay.

“I’m assuming so, I don’t know where it’s alleged the murder occurred,” Mr Dwyer said.

“Airlie Beach, Your Honour,” Mr Parnell replied.

“Ah well, it should be here,” Mr Dwyer said.

“After that’s finished you’ll come back here and see what we’re doing with these ones.”

Mr Dwyer asked Mr Parnell where he should “send his bill for legal advice”.

“The government,” Mr Parnell replied.

Originally published as Jay Brogden’s accused murderer Gavin Philip Parnell in court for alleged robbery