Man Accused of Quambatook Murder Faces New Assault Charges While in Custody
Brian Barnes, the 67-year-old man charged with the murder of respected Quambatook community leader Merril Kelly, is now also facing fresh assault charges related to an incident while in custody, a court has heard.
Ms Kelly, 70, a beloved former teacher and active community volunteer, was found dead in January after firefighters responded to a grass fire near the old Quambatook cemetery.
At a hearing in Bendigo Magistrates Court, it was revealed that Barnes is being held at Melbourne’s Thomas Embling Hospital, a secure mental health facility. He appeared in court via video link and appeared visibly agitated, expressing dissatisfaction with his previous legal representation.
“The first thing I need to tell you is that the legal team that was assigned to me from Bendigo Legal Aid have refused to follow my instructions,” Barnes told the magistrate.
He is now being represented by Tim Marsh, though the court heard the two have not yet met.
Prosecutors have requested access to CCTV and body-worn camera footage linked to the alleged custody-related assault. That application is set to be reviewed in court on July 20.
The court also heard there have been delays in the murder investigation, including a key report from the medical examiner. The murder charge is scheduled for a committal mention on July 23.
Paraphrase your own text with EduWriter.ai
