A MOUNT Gambier man charged with murder and manslaughter in relation to the death of his domestic partner appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court yesterday.
Bradley Wayne Trussell, 27, appeared via video-link as the prosecution laid the fresh charges and tendered no evidence in relation to the previous assault charges.
It is alleged Trussell fatally assaulted 25-year-old Mount Gambier woman Eden Kennett on Thursday.
She was transported to the Mount Gambier Hospital, however died on Friday after succumbing to the injuries inflicted on her by Trussell.
Family and friends of the victim filled the courtroom during the hearing yesterday.
The prosecution indicated a post-mortem was being conducted and it would take them eight months to have a preliminary brief ready for the court.
They indicated they were not seeking identification or DNA evidence to prove the charges.
Defence Counsel Alanna Weymouth opposed the length of delay due to the time Trussell will be in custody.
“However we understand the nature of the charge,” Ms Weymouth said.
Magistrate Teresa Anderson accepted eight months as an appropriate timeline and listed the matter for August 12, 2019.
Ms Weymouth made no application for bail for Trussell and did not request a final suppression order.
He first appeared before the court in police custody on Friday where he was charged with serious assault causing harm and recklessly causing harm.
Trussell cried in the dock on Friday as the prosecution indicated those charges would be replaced with murder and manslaughter yesterday.