Odour from body in car

POLICE were called to murder victim Jason Fry’s North Shore home over a reported theft before they discovered his body in a car.

Acting Sergeant Mark Thomas told the Supreme Court yesterday he was the first officer to arrive at the Seaforth St property just before 11.30am on April 15 last year.

He said police were called to the address over claims tools were being stolen from the factory that had been Mr Fry’s home for more than a year.

Sgt Thomas said he was met by four people, including Nick Munn, who is accused of murdering Mr Fry six days earlier.

He told a jury yesterday Mr Munn stated he was there to help his “friend”.

“He said he was there selling tools on behalf of Jason Fry,” Sgt Thomas said.

Moments later, the officer left to investigate a blue station wagon parked on the nature strip in a nearby street that the court has heard contained Mr Fry’s decomposed body.

Sgt Thomas said the car was locked and he noticed a distinct odour.

He said when police returned to the factory, eyewitnesses told them a man matching Mr Munn’s description had “taken off”.

Mr Munn, 41, has pleaded not guilty to murder on the basis of self-defence.

The prosecution argues there was tension over money between Mr Munn and Mr Fry, claiming the accused was motivated by anger when he killed Mr Fry with a claw hammer. Mr Fry was facing eviction from his property due to non-payments.

Neighbour Rodney Whitehand told the jury Mr Munn had indicated he was “not too happy” with Mr Fry after Mr Fry apparently squandered $2500 given to him to help cover the rental debt.

The court heard that after his disappearance, Mr Fry’s belongings began to be sold from his property after being advertised online. Mr Whitehand said Mr Munn told him he wanted to sell the items to help pay outstanding rent.

“He said that Jase had disappeared to Queensland,” Mr Whitehand said.

The jury has been told a father with children was among up to a dozen people at the shed to receive items from Mr Munn on the day police arrived.

Mr Whitehand said he was introduced to Mr Munn several weeks earlier when Mr Fry told him: “This is Nick, he’s an old mate of mine, you can trust him with your life.”

The trial continues.