Alleged kitchen knife murderer Conor O’Neill denied bail
A 40-year-old man who allegedly stabbed his 47-year-old partner while the pair were driving through a Northern Territory suburb has been refused bail.
Conor O'Neill, 40, has been denied bail after being charged with the murder of his 47-year-old partner. The incident occurred on September 18 when O'Neill allegedly stabbed his partner twice with a kitchen knife while driving through Palmerston, a satellite city of Darwin. The victim died from her injuries at Royal Darwin Hospital 10 days later.
O'Neill's lawyer, Koulla Roussos, argued for bail so he could care for his frail mother, who has multiple sclerosis. She also mentioned that O'Neill would likely claim defensive conduct during the trial, as he stated he was attacked with the same kitchen knife. During his police account, O'Neill demonstrated a bandage on his hand, indicating an injury.
Crown prosecutor Rhiannon McGlinn opposed bail, citing O'Neill's criminal history of violent knife crime and the severity of the accusation. Judge David Woodroffe refused bail, citing O'Neill's knife violence history and the seriousness of the charges, expressing concerns about the potential risk to the community. The case will return to court on December 14 for a directions hearing.
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