Ignore prison nitwits, judge tells murder accused

AN alleged murderer has been urged to stop taking legal advice from fellow prison inmates and “jailhouse nitwits” and get himself a lawyer before he decides whether he will fight the charge.

Ricky Cowan, 50, who is accused of raping and stabbing his ex-partner to death in a jealous rage, represented himself again in the Cairns Supreme Court yesterday.

Mother of two Crystal Ratcliffe, 38, was found with 41 stab wounds at her Woree home in 2016.

Police have alleged Mr Cowan attacked her after finding out about her new partner.

Mr Cowan told the court he had been told Justice Jim Henry would take him more seriously during a trial if he represented himself.

Justice Henry told him it was a jury who would decide his fate, not him, and that advice was wrong.

“Seldom is it helpful to represent yourself in a serious matter,” he said.

“But it’s a free country. “Forget about talking to jailhouse nitwits. Their advice (doesn’t work) because they’re sitting in jail, if you get my drift.

“I’m concerned that you might not have received the best of advice from people … who suggest you should represent yourself.

“I suspect a lawyer can do a better job than you can.”

Mr Cowan raised concerns about his declining health during his first Supreme Court appearance in January and spoke about it again yesterday while being asked about his legal representation.

“I’ve got no lawyer,” he said. “I’ve been in and out of hospital for a long period of time.

“My life is basically plagued by illness.

“The doctors don’t listen.”

While yet to enter a plea he also issued an apology over the incident.

“I’m sorry and remorseful for what happened from the bottom of my heart,” he said.

“I’m a loving father, a family man.”

Justice Henry adjourned the case until March 20 to give him a further chance to get legal representation.