Matthew Owen Woodcock committal date set for alleged Finch Hatton invasion

A man charged with causing a Finch Hatton woman’s death has been returned to custody, but a court heard his committal hearing has been delayed.

Matthew Owen Woodcock, 37, allegedly struck Suzanne Ruth Scott, 69, with a vehicle.

A man charged with a fatal home invasion that shocked the Pioneer Valley has faced Mackay Magistrates Court as his committal date was delayed.

Matthew Owen Woodcock, 37, allegedly struck Suzanne Ruth Scott, 69, as he stole a Mitsubishi Pajero from her property on Boulder Road in Finch Hatton on July 4, 2022.

He has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, unlawful use of a car, and enter premises and commit indictable offence by break.

The court heard he was remanded into custody after a mention on March 8, 2023.

Boulder Rd in Finch Hatton where Suzanne Ruth Scott.

Police prosecutor Ruth Whisker applied for an extension to provide the full brief of evidence, asking for the deadline to be moved to May 17.

Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan said, due to the nature of the charges, that would be acceptable without objection from defence.

“I don’t think that that’s going to put things out too much,” Ms Hartigan said.

Appearing as friend of the court, Woodcock’s lawyer Geoff Govey had no issue with an extension but said there may be an upcoming bail application.

Ms Hartigan extended the brief deadline until May 17, adding about a month to the original provision date of April 19.

Woodcock’s committal mention is now listed for May 24.

Unless a bail application is approved, Woodcock will remain in custody until then.

Originally published as Matthew Owen Woodcock committal date set for alleged Finch Hatton invasion