A man has pushed for his negligent manslaughter charge to be dropped, arguing he did not hold a duty of care for a woman who died.

Create a free account to read this article

Login or signup to continue reading

Continue with Email

Continue with Google

Continue with Apple

Emma Bates, 49, was found dead at her home at Cobram near the NSW-Victoria border on April 23, 2024.

She had allegedly been struck to the head by her neighbour and short-term partner John Torney, 40, in the days before she died.

But a forensic pathologist told Melbourne Magistrates Court diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition involving high sugar levels, was the likely cause of her death.

Prosecutor Matthew Cookson on Wednesday argued Torney still owed a duty of care to Ms Bates because they were in a de facto rela

See Full Page