Update on alleged katana-style sword murder case: Jayden Doyle

A Millmerran man accused of murdering his mother’s partner, allegedly during a mental health episode will spend a considerable amount of time in pre-sentence custody as his case faces lengthy delays.

Sixteen hours after the alleged bloodbath at Millmerran, Jayden Wade Doyle, fronted Toowoomba court on one count of grievous bodily harm and entering a premises to commit an indictable offence. Picture: File photos

A court has heard there will be lengthy delays in the court case of a young Darling Downs man accused of murdering his stepfather with a sword.

Police allege Jayden Wade Doyle, 25, attacked Grant Peasley with a katana-style sword at his mother’s Millmerran home in early April 2023.

Mr Peasley’s hand was severed during the attack, he also had lacerations to his neck, shoulder, and back.

The 56-year-old was rushed to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital in critical condition, however he died days later.

The Toowoomba Court House. Picture: Peta McEachern

Earlier in the year, Mr Doyle’s solicitor Alysha Jacobsen told the court the case may be moved to the Queensland’s Mental Health Court.

The Toowoomba Magistrates Court was provided with an update on the alleged murder case on October 19, where Ms Jacobsen told the court Mr Doyle’s mental health could not be assessed until January 2024.

The court heard specialist psychiatrist Dr Siva Bala would assess the young man’s health in person, however the prison was yet to set a date.

Ms Jacobson noted another delay in the matter was due to a pathologist report that could only be completed by two people Australia-wide.

That report may take up to 18 months.

Mr Doyle remains in custody, and the case will next be before the court for mention on January 29, 2024.

Police allege the pair were arguing over car keys prior to a violent attack and that Mr Doyle was staying at the Flamingo Rd home for four days, and he had limited contact with police prior to the incident.

Police have charged Mr Doyle with murder, armed robbery with violence, going armed to cause fear, unlawful use of a car, and entering a premise to commit an indictable offence.