Atherton man Anthony Coulter Wright, 74, has pleaded guilty to the murder of his wife Lynne
A Mareeba man will face a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment after pleading guilty to the April 2023 murder of his wife.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An Atherton man will face a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment after pleading guilty to murdering of his wife, Mareeba nurse Lynne Wright.
Anthony Coulter Wright, 74, was on Wednesday arraigned on a single charge of murder in the Cairns Supreme Court over the stabbing death of his wife on April 13, 2023.
His sentencing was set down for 9am on March 4, 2025.
Emergency services attended the Wright’s Atherton home at Gordon Street on a Sunday and paramedics declared Ms Wright dead at the scene.
She had suffered stab wounds to her abdomen.
Before convicting Wright, Justice James Henry asked if he understood that a conviction would result in a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.
Wright said he understood.
He also questioned Wright and his legal team about whether or not a psychiatric report had been prepared, which had been flagged during an earlier appearance in court.
Wright’s defence barrister Kelly Goodwin told the court a psychiatric report had been prepared.
Diminished responsibility arguments were ruled out by Wright and his defence team, and Wright was found to be fit to plead, the court was told.
Through Mr Goodwin, Wright requested he be permitted to attend his sentencing via video link from prison.
Justice Henry denied the request.
“People can be sentenced by video but I do not think I have heard of this for murder, and I’m not about to begin,” Justice Henry said.
“There will be victim impact statements he should be hear in the courtroom.”
Crown prosecutor Nicole Friedewald said victim impact statements would be presented to the court during the sentencing.
Mr Goodwin said Wright would also prepare letters for the court.
Ms Wright had worked at Mareeba Hospital.
She was remembered fondly by colleagues after her death as friendly, approachable and a “very good nurse”.
More Coverage
Originally published as Atherton man Anthony Coulter Wright, 74, has pleaded guilty to the murder of his wife Lynne
Residents furious, but council says flood pump fail not to blame
Council has defended the failure of a flood mitigation pump which stopped working when Ergon cut power to inundated homes, but victims say more need to be done to stop regular flooding of the area.
Cape York leaders hold out hope cancelled festival can be revived
A treasured celebration of First Nations cultures held in Cape York is under threat again with organisers cancelling this year’s event, shocking community leaders and dance troupes.