New Charge Added Following Medical Evidence in Victoria Case.

John Torney fronts court on negligent manslaughter charge

A man, John Torney, aged 40, has been charged with negligent manslaughter in connection to the death of Emma Bates, a 49-year-old woman from Cobram, Victoria. He appeared via video link before the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court, where the charge was announced. Detectives from the Cobram Crime Investigation Unit filed the charge after receiving a detailed medical report in late October.

Emma Bates was found deceased in her home on Campbell Road, Cobram, in April 2024. Emergency services were called to the scene, initiating a police investigation. Previously, Torney had been facing a series of charges related to alleged assaults on Bates. These charges included intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, common law assault, aggravated assault of a female, and unlawful assault.

The decision to add the negligent manslaughter charge followed a medical assessment by the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. According to court proceedings, this report was critical in concluding that a manslaughter charge was warranted. Prosecution representatives emphasized that several reports had been sought throughout the investigation to ensure the case was thoroughly examined.

During the court hearing, Torney’s legal representative, Kyle McLaughlin, argued that earlier receipt of the medical report might have influenced how the case was managed. He highlighted that prior court appearances in June, August, and October could have been avoided if the new charge had been laid earlier. Consequently, McLaughlin requested reimbursement for costs incurred during these earlier hearings.

The magistrate, Alison Vaughan, partially agreed with the request. Costs from the June and August hearings, totaling $780, were ordered to be reimbursed by law enforcement. However, the claim for October costs was denied, as it was deemed reasonable for that appearance to occur under the circumstances.

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear for a committal mention on March 19, 2025. This case highlights the complexities of criminal proceedings, particularly where multiple charges are involved, and underscores the significance of due process in ensuring that indictable offenses are supported by comprehensive evidentiary findings.

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