Friday, November 8, 2024

Man charged with murdering housemate at home in Sydney’s inner west

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A man charged with murdering his housemate in Sydney’s inner west “understands the seriousness of the charges”, his lawyer has said. 

Officers were called to Clements Street in Russell Lea just after 11am on Thursday, when a member of the public reported hearing a woman scream for help.

They found the body of a woman who was believed to be in her 50s and has not been formally identified.

Benjamin Scott Art, 42, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with murder.

Mr Art did not appear in Parramatta Local Court when his murder charge was mentioned for the first time.

His lawyer, Javid Faiz, said the charge was “very serious” and requested the matter be adjourned until August 28, by which time prosecutors will be required to file their brief of evidence.

“My client understands the seriousness of the charges, he’s instructed me not to make a release application,” Mr Faiz told reporters outside of court.

“We’re waiting for the brief of evidence and a release application will be made in due course.”

Detective Superintendent Christine McDonald said the woman sustained “significant and multiple” stab injuries to her upper body.

She said the death was being investigated as a domestic violence incident given the pair lived together but it was not believed they were in an intimate relationship.

Superintendent McDonald said the death was being investigated as a potential domestic violence incident.(ABC News: Keana Naughton)

Superintendent McDonald said officers were on the scene one minute after the call.

“Police responded rapidly knowing that the triple-0 call had mentioned that a female was screaming and needed help,” she said.

Superintendent McDonald said the man moved in a few weeks ago and three other housemates were home at the time of the woman’s death.

Detectives were seen entering the two neighbouring properties of the house where the body was found.

Mr Art remains in custody, his matter will next be heard at the Burwood Local Court.

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