The trial of a 2022 shopping centre stabbing has fallen flat on its face only hours after beginning, allowing the alleged knife-wielder back into the community. See why.
The Townsville Bulletin understands material which shouldn’t have been mentioned in front of the jury was said out loud in court by a witness, prompting the declaration of a mistrial by Judge John Coker.
Brandon Jordan Storm Stephen, 21, is pleading not guilty to one charge of grievous bodily harm.
It’s alleged by police that in 2022, Stephen stabbed another man several times inside Vincent Village Shopping Centre – but Stephen’s defence team are arguing self-defence.
This isn’t the first time the court has tried to run Stephen’s trial.
The crime scene in Vincent Shopping Centre after a stabbing took place. The victim, Gabriel Smallwood, was rendered first aid by Woolworths staff members on the bench before he was transported to hospital. Picture: Leighton Smith
In May this year the trial’s original jury was unable to reach a consensus on whether Stephen was guilty or not guilty, prompting Judge Coker to dismiss them and set another trial date.
That retrial began on Wednesday, July 10, only to fall flat on its face in a matter of hours.
A third time might be the charm for defence barrister Michael Hibble and crown prosecutor Patrick Newman.
The trial will also likely mean that alleged stabbing victim Gabriel Smallwood will give evidence again.
Stephen is currently out on bail.
The matter has been relisted for mention.