Aaron John Leslie Bunt has murder charge mentioned in Toowoomba Magistrates Court

A Toowoomba magistrate has refused to add to the delays in the alleged murder case of North Toowoomba man Len Andrew Hegarty.

Accused murderer Aaron John Leslie Bunt had his case mentioned in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on September 23, 2022.

A Toowoomba magistrate has refused to cause any further delays in the alleged murder case of a North Toowoomba man.

Police charged John Leslie Bunt and William John Currey with Len Andrew Hegarty’s murder in 2021, after the man’s body was found at his home on Christmas Eve.

Police allege the 53-year-old was assaulted and died as a result of his injuries.

Mr Bunt, who remains in police custody, had his case mentioned in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on September 5.

Aaron John Leslie Bunt has been charged with murder arising from death of 53-year-old man in Toowoomba on December 23, 2021.

Appearing as a friend of the court for Mr Bunt, solicitor Ryan McCullough asked the magistrate if an upcoming pre-trial hearing could be pushed out.

He said a witness, who was scheduled to be cross-examined, would also need to be cross-examined by Mr Currey’s lawyers – suggesting that occur at the same time.

However, magistrate Clare Kelly said she was very concerned about how long the case had been before the courts and was reluctant to reschedule any upcoming hearings.

Mr McCullough said he would talk to Mr Bunts’ lawyer for further instructions.

Ms Kelly said the cross-examination of witness application would remain on September 11, but said she was happy to reconsider if any issues arose with the witness.

A woman, Debbie Jane Richards, was also charged over her alleged involvement in Mr Hegarty’s death.

William John Currey (left) and Aaron John Leslie Bunt (middle) have been charged with the murder of 53-year-old Len Andrew Hegarty, while Debbie Jane Richards (right) has been charged with accessory after the fact to murder and one count of fraud.

Ms Richards was charged with being an accessory after the fact of murder arising from Mr Hegarty’s death.

Earlier in 2023, her case was moved to a higher court by way of registry committal.

Both Mr Currey and Mr Bunt are remanded in custody, and have not yet been called on to enter pleas to their charges of murder.