Lachlan Mark Freund back in Toowoomba Magistrates Court accused of murdering Thor Morgan

Confusion reigned in a Toowoomba court after lawyers for a man accused of murdering Thor Morgan failed to show up for the mention of the matter.

The man accused of shooting Thor Morgan in the head with a shortened rifle asked for his case to be adjourned so he can arrange a new legal team.

Lachlan Mark Freund, 24, appeared in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday via videolink from the Brisbane Correctional Centre.

He was self-represented but told the court he expected his new lawyer would be representing him.

“I have just changed lawyers, to Abdul Rashidi from Alexander Rashidi Lawyers, I did the paperwork yesterday for the changeover,” he said.

Lachlan Mark Freund

Magistrate Louise Shephard questioned why Mr Freund’s solicitor was not in the courtroom and asked if he had paid them.

“Have you put money into their trust account? Why are they not here,” she said.

Mr Freund replied that he thought his lawyer would appear by phone.

However the court was told there was no record of the changeover, nor was a phone appearance booked in.

Mr Freund has been charged with murder arising from the death of Thor Morgan who was allegedly shot while driving on Ruthven St in North Toowoomba in the early hours of March 15, 2022.

Thor Morgan

Police allege Mr Freund fired the shot that hit Mr Morgan in the head while his co-accused, Tina Hazard acted as driver.

Hazard has also been charged with murder.

Mr Freund offered to give Ms Shephard’s clerk the office number for Alexander Rashidi Lawyers but she said it was not needed.

“I am not chasing (your lawyer), he needs to be here or he needs to have requested a phone appearance.”

Mr Freund’s matter was adjourned to June 26.

His co-accused Ms Hazard also had her matter mentioned on Monday.

Claire Graham, acting as town agent for Hans Legal, told the court her client was waiting for police to disclose further material to the defence.

Ms Hazard’s matter was also adjourned to June 26.