Man who beat his partner to death found 'not criminally responsible'

A man in New South Wales, Andrew Charles Smith, was found not criminally responsible for the murder of his partner, Mavis Stanley, in October 2024. Ms Stanley, aged 47, was beaten with a rod-like object until her death on a road outside their home in Bourke. Justice Peter Hamill of the NSW Supreme Court determined that Mr Smith likely suffered from schizophrenia and had a delusional belief system at the time of the killing.

The victim's daughter, Jennah-Leigh Dungay, expressed her profound grief and sorrow, stating that her mother's death had dismantled their family forever. She emphasized that her mother was the matriarch of their family and a source of strength. Ms Dungay also called for stronger laws to protect women and children, particularly Indigenous people.

The court heard that Mr Smith and Ms Stanley lived in Bourke when the violence occurred, likely between October 26 and 29. Mr Smith moved Ms Stanley's body from the home and left it on the roadway. Forensic psychiatrists testified that he was experiencing delusions during the killing. Justice Hamill acknowledged the couple's history of domestic violence and Mr Smith's controlling behavior, but ultimately found him not criminally responsible due to his delusional state.

The verdict means Mr Smith will not face criminal charges but does not preclude his potential future release. Family members of Ms Stanley, who described her as a strong, loyal, and loving woman, delivered emotional victim impact statements in court. They expressed deep grief and fear for the safety of women in their community.