Robbie Awad to face trial over the death of newlywed wife on Hamilton Island

The case of a husband charged with the death of his newlywed bride on Hamilton Island has progressed almost a year after the case was heard in court for the first time.

The case of a husband charged with the death of his newlywed bride on Hamilton Island has progressed almost a year after the case was heard in court for the first time, with the legal team and prosecution agreeing on a four-day trial. Picture: Instagram

The case of a husband charged with the death of his newlywed bride on Hamilton Island has progressed almost a year after the case was heard in court for the first time, with the legal teams agreeing on a four-day trial.

But the trial date is still at least five months away.

Robbie Awad, also known as Robbie Morgan, is accused of driving without due care and crashing the golf buggy his wife was a passenger in, causing her death.

The tragedy occured on June 20 last year, only 10 days after the couple got married in a lavish ceremony and reception at Doltone House before heading to the popular Hamilton Island for their honeymoon.

Police alleged in court Mr Awad attempted a U-turn on the corner of Coral Sea Ave and Whitsunday Boulevard and as a result the 29-year-old Marina Morgan died after attempts by an off-duty firefighter, a doctor and dentist to save her were unsuccessful.

Mr Awad, 30, was not injured in the crash.

Robbie Morgan, Marina Morgan – A 29-year-old bride has died on her honeymoon after falling from a golf buggy on Hamilton Island. Picture: Instagram

Mr Awad is charged with driving without due care and attention, using a mobile phone while driving, failing to wear a seatbelt as a driver, and passengers 16 years or older failing to wear approved seat belts.

The matter was mentioned for the first time in Proserpine Magistrates Court in December 2022.

The matter was mentioned once again in Proserpine Magistrates Court after it had been adjourned in multiple occasions, in part due to a new expert report that been added to the defense submission, with Mr Awad’s legal team asking for several adjournments in the last few months.

Murphy’s Lawyers defence solicitor Bryan Wrench told the court Mr Awad intended to plead not guilty to all charges and that all the matters could proceed to trial.

He told Magistrate Michelle Howard the trial would take three days as 14 witnesses had to be heard.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Emma Myors said she believed the trial should be held over four days “just to be safe” as 12 police witnesses and two expert witnesses would be called up.

Mr Wrench agreed with adding another day to the trial but told the court they were looking at a trial date in June next year.

The funeral of Marina Morgan who was tragically killed while on her honeymoon with husband Robbie on Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays was held at Rookwood Cemetery on July 2 2022. Husband Robbie Morgan said his last goodbyes. Picture: Sunday Telegraph

Ms Howard asked whether there would be a way around “pushing it that far”, to which Mr Wrench responded that as one of their expert witness would not be available before April 2024.

Both parties agreed to reconvene to choose a trial date and Mr Awad’s bail was enlarged until then.

It is understood a decision has to be made whether the trial should be conducted in Proserpine or in Mackay.

Originally published as Robbie Awad to face trial over the death of newlywed wife on Hamilton Island