More time needed in poison case

THE case of a Queensland mum accused of murdering her children has been adjourned until April as prosecutors continue to build a case against her.

Maree Crabtree, 52, is accused of poisoning her children Erin, 18, who was found dead in 2012, and Jonathan, 26, who died in 2017.

Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday heard more than 200 witness statements had been gathered in the case against Crabtree.

The Gold Coast woman is accused of forcing her children to take prescription medication and portraying their deaths as suicides as she claimed life insurance payouts worth about $1 million.

She is charged with two counts of murder, two of fraud and attempted fraud and torture.

A prosecutor yesterday told the court another adjournment was needed to give police time to prepare up to 20 more exhibits and 10 more witness statements, including some from a now defunct superannuation company in relation to the fraud charges.

The case will be mentioned again on April 8.