William Currey, Aaron Bunt, Debbie Richards, accused of involvement in murder of Len Heggarty, have charges mentioned in Toowoomba court

A magistrate has demanded that progress be made in the case against two men charged with murder dating back to Christmas Eve 2021, telling one lawyer that if he can’t find time to conference with a barrister to find a new one.

A magistrate has expressed her frustration with further delays in the case against three people charged in relation to the Christmas Eve murder of 53-year-old dating back to 2021.

Aaron John Leslie Bunt, 29, and William John Currey, 32, have both been charged with murder after Len Andrew Hegarty was found dead in his North Toowoomba home on December 24, 2021, with police alleging Mr Hegarty was the victim of an assault before dying from his injuries.

Police allege Mr Bunt’s partner, 33-year-old Debbie Jane Richards was present at the time of the assault and rather than call for help, put Mr Hegarty to bed and watched as he died.

Ms Richards has been charged with being an accessory after the fact of murder.

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.

All three had their respective cases mentioned in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Thursday, with the trio not required to appear and were represented by their repsective legal teams.

Appearing for Mr Bunt, law clerk Paige Hetherington told the court that barrister Stephen Kissick had been briefed and that a case conference had been held with Mr Bunt, who was considering his options.

Magistrate Kay Philipson adjourned the matter to May 11 for committal instructions.

Representing his co-accused Mr Currey, solicitor Hamish Chapman told the court that barrister Isaac Munsie had been briefed on the matter but he was struggling to make arrangements to have a case conference.

This raised the ire of Ms Philipson, who offered the blunt advice that if Mr Chapman couldn’t organise a case conference he should “get another counsel”.

“I want to know what’s happening on the next occasion,” the magistrate said.

“This matter has been before the court since December 2021. This has got to move along, you’ve got all the material now.”

Mr Currey’s matter was also adjourned to May 11.

Representing Ms Richards, solicitor Nathan Bouchier told the court a case conference had taken place on March 28, and a further conference had taken place on April 19 with a submission sent to the prosecution.

All three co-accused have yet to enter a plea to their charges. Mr Bunt and Mr Currey were remanded in custody while Ms Richards’ bail was continued.