Nanny bit flatmate, set unit on fire, court told

A FORMER nanny bit her flatmate on the face before setting their Miami unit on fire, a Southport court was told yesterday.

Carla Maree Monaghan denies the allegations and pleaded not guilty in the Southport District Court to one count of arson.

The jury of eight women and four men were told she set fire to the Nobby’s Outlook Resort unit after an argument with her former partner and their flatmate about 6.45pm on October 26, 2016.

Monaghan’s barrister Matt Jackson, instructed by Dib and Associates, urged the jury to “keep an open mind”.

The court was told Monaghan was at home about 5pm when her former partner Dale Stokes and their flatmate Matt Evans arrived.

Mr Stokes said Monaghan came out of the unit and began to yell at him. The yelling continued and Mr Stokes said he left the unit for a cigarette.

He said when he returned Monaghan was biting Mr Evans on the face.

“Her hands were around his head and she sort of just latched onto his face,” Mr Stokes said. The jury was told Mr Evans and Mr Stokes left to get medical treatment and go to nearby bar Nobby’s Arc.

About an hour later Mr Evans received a call that their unit was on fire. Neighbours told the jury in the hour leading up to the fire they heard noises like “something being dropped on tiles” and like “ping pong balls bouncing”.

The trial continues today.