Stabbing backlash for death
THE circumstances around a tragic death in Aurukun have been linked to a stabbing in Lake St in Cairns, a court has heard.
Neville James Bowenda, 18, appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with one count of grievous bodily harm after 55-year-old Bruce Kevin Bell was allegedly stabbed in the chest shortly before 1am on September 20.
Applying for bail on behalf of Mr Bowenda, defence lawyer Jon Ide said there were issues in relation to what the appropriate charge might be and that his client denied being the one to inflict the wound to Mr Bell.
Explaining the circumstances of the incident, police prosecutor Sergeant Stewart Clyde-Smith said that in Aurukun recently, Mr Bell and another individual were having a fight.
“From all accounts that I have heard, Mr Bell was losing that fight essentially,” Sgt Clyde-Smith said.
“And then the other person he was having a fight with has left, suffered a heart attack, and passed away.
“And as a result of that, Mr Bell has copped some public backlash in relation to him being blamed for that particular death.”
Sgt Clyde-Smith said there were discussions between police and Mr Ide’s office as to the need to get Mr Bell out of Aurukun because of the backlash.
“He was flown to Cairns as a result of getting him out of town, whereas unfortunately the violence has followed him,” Sgt Clyde-Smith said.
Mr Ide said his client was in Cairns to assist looking after an uncle who had been receiving cancer treatment.
“Whilst Mr Bowenda concedes he and others were involved in a verbal argument with Mr Bell, he wasn’t the person who delivered the wound, or any wound to Mr Bell, and that another person who was named in the material was responsible for the injury that took Mr Bell to hospital,” Mr Ide said.
“Mr Bowenda denies any violence, actual violence towards Mr Bell, but does accept there was a verbal argument and it may well have had something to do with the events that occurred in Aurukun in recent times.”
Sgt Clyde-Smith objected to bail, saying it was a statement from Mr Bowenda’s mother which outlined that her son was the only one chasing Mr Bell, and that after she ran after them, she came across Mr Bell lying on the ground.
He submitted it was good luck as opposed to good management that Mr Bell did not suffer more severe injuries.
Magistrate Mandy Bowen said she was convinced Mr Bowenda had shown cause, taking into account his young age, limited history, and the fact his usual residence was in Aurukun. She also said the charge he was currently facing may not be the appropriate charge.
Ms Bowen granted Mr Bowenda bail to reside in Aurukun, report to police once a week, and have no contact with Mr Bell. The matter was adjourned to November 9.