More time for murder accused

A FORMER promising Gold Coast rugby league player, Ethan Clarke, has been granted a lengthy adjournment on charges stemming from two separate murders.

Clarke was charged with murder after his brother, Reece Clarke, died following a fire at their Nerang home in August last year.

He also faces a murder charge over alleged involvement in the brutal bashing death of Gold Coast father Greg Dufty in November 2015.

Former bikie boss Lionel Patea was jailed in May for Dufty’s murder after pleading guilty. His brother, Nelson Patea, and Aaron Crawford both pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

In February, co-accused Clinton Stockman and Liam Bliss also pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Defence lawyer Steve Cavanagh represented Clarke, who did not appear, in the Southport Magistrates Court yesterday.

Mr Cavanagh said he sought a lengthy adjournment for further psychological assessments of Clarke.

Magistrate Don MacKenzie adjourned the matter for a callover mention on November 1.