Links lead Mosch to leave case

A MAGISTRATE has told the court it would be inappropriate to continue on a case as the accused was his son’s teacher.

Ignatius Park College teacher Matthew Rowan, 36, appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court yesterday charged with two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, and one count of failing to stop at a red traffic light.

Police will allege the man ran a red light at the intersection of Queens and Ross River roads and struck Malcolm and Esme Beck about 7.10pm shortly after they left church on December 24, 2018.

Magistrate Steven Mosch said he understood the accused was one of his son’s teachers at the prestigious school.

“I also understand that his wife and my wife both work at St Patrick’s College so I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to be involved in this matter moving forward,” he told the court. “Having made that disclosure I don’t think there’s any difficulty of me dealing with it administratively today.”

According to Mr Mosch’s Linkedin account, he also attended the school.

Mr Rowan appeared to be wearing an Ignatius Park College tie as he appeared in the court for the first time.

The matter will next be heard for a committal mention on August 27.

Mr Rowan left the court flanked by media and would not respond to questions by reporters.

On Christmas Eve first responders and paramedics tried desperately to revive the couple, but they could not be saved.

The retired Cairns couple, aged in their mid-70s, had been visiting one of their two daughters, Annette Beck, in Townsville for Christmas, when the crash occurred.

Ms Beck told the Bulletin on Christmas Day it was “just a terrible tragedy”.

During Christmas Day mass, Cairns Lutheran Parish pastor Greg Schiller said the couple was much loved by the church family.