Campania man James Austin faces court over alleged murder of mum-of-four Jacqui Purton

“The kids love ya”: A woman has called out in court to Campania man James Austin, who has been charged with murdering 37-year-old mother Jacqui Purton. LATEST >

Campania man James Austin, 38, has been charged with murdering Tasmanian mother-of-four Jacqui Purton in the early hours of March 13. Picture: Facebook

A CAMPANIA man has briefly faced court charged with murdering mother-of-four Jacqui Purton.

James Austin, 38, appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Wednesday after being taken into custody in the early hours of Monday morning, soon after Ms Purton’s death.

James Austin.

Mr Austin was charged with murder on Tuesday night and remains in custody.

In court, a lawyer acting for Mr Austin asked for an adjournment without plea.

Magistrate Chris Webster remanded Mr Austin to reappear in court on March 27.

As he was led away from the docks by security, a woman sitting in court called out: “the kids love ya”.

Tasmania Police said in a statement it was believed Mr Austin and Ms Purton were known to each other.

They said the 37-year-old woman died from serious injuries after being struck by a car on a property in Native Corners Road.

Police said they were called to the scene about 3.30am on Monday morning, following reports a person had been seriously injured.

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