Accused murderer given key court date

A MAN accused of murdering an elderly woman over a payment dispute has not yet entered a plea almost two years after her body was found in her Cranbrook backyard.

Mark Daniel Ferguson, 23, had his matter mentioned at Townsville Magistrates Court yesterday to set a date for a committal hearing, which will determine whether there is a sufficient prosecution case to take the matter to a higher court.

Ferguson, who has been remanded in custody since the incident in September 2018, is charged with the death of 73year-old Pamela Frances Corless.

Police allege the pair were known to each other through some work that had been done at Ms Corless’ home, which was under renovation.

Townsville Crime Services Group detective acting Inspector Phil Watts said that police further allege there was a dispute over the work and payment that led to the woman’s death.

Insp Watts said the cause of death in the alleged murder was “head injuries” and noted it was a family member who made the grisly discovery of Ms Corless’ body.

Police were called to Ms Corless’ home in Brampton Ave by the family member and allege she had been murdered the previous day.

Ferguson, a Rosslea resident, is also charged with entering a dwelling and committing an indictable offence and wilful damage.

Insp Watts said the accused had moved to Townsville from Ipswich.

Ferguson’s matter has been adjourned to May 22 for a committal hearing.