Three months after the death of Perth teenager Cassius Turvey, his alleged murderer has returned to court, with the case again being adjourned for a lengthy period so prosecutors can provide all the evidence they have to defence lawyers.
WARNING: This story features the names and images of deceased Aboriginal people, which have been used with the permission of their families.
Jack Brearley appeared in the Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning via video link from Casuarina Prison, with his case put off for 10 weeks.
State prosecutor Benjamin Stanwix said disclosure of material to the defence was continuing.
Mr Brearley, 21, is alleged to have beaten Cassius with a metal pole, believed to be a shopping trolley handle, as the 15-year-old boy walked with friends after school in the eastern Perth suburb of Middle Swan on October 13 last year.
Mr Brearley is also accused of beating a 13-year-old boy who was with Cassius and stealing his crutches and cap.
Cassius was seriously injured in the alleged attack and was placed in an induced coma in hospital, but he died 10 days later.
No plea entered
Mr Brearley was originally charged with unlawful wounding, but the charge was upgraded to murder after Cassius's death.
Five days later he was charged with the alleged assault and robbery of the 13-year-old boy.
Mr Brearley has so far not been required to plead to the charges against him — one count of murder, one of assault, and another of stealing.
He has been remanded in custody since his arrest and has not indicated whether he will be applying for bail.
If he does, his application can only be determined by a Supreme Court judge after a hearing.
On Wednesday Mr Brearley was again remanded in custody until his next scheduled court appearance on March 29.
Cassius’s death sparked an outpouring of grief, with vigils held in cities and towns across the nation including a peaceful march in Perth at which his mother, Mechelle Turvey, urged the thousands of attendees to be calm and unified.
No family or supporters for either party were present at court on Wednesday.
