Accused To Face Court Over Death

Newcastle Herald

Thursday August 21, 2008

By INGRID BOWN

A CO-ACCUSED in the alleged stabbing murder at Muswellbrook of Victorian man David Harrison has been committed for trial in the NSW Supreme Court.

Dean Reginald Fordham, 28, of Tamworth, faces one count of murder. His co-accused Emma Barrett, 21, of West Gosford, has already been committed to stand trial.

Mr Harrison, 23, Barrett's ex-boyfriend, was allegedly murdered on June 23 last year. His body was found in a bush grave off Anvil Street, Greta.

A prosecution statement tendered in Newcastle Local Court yesterday alleged the pair lured Mr Harrison to their Muswellbrook home with the intention of murdering him.

On July 17, a witness contacted police about the alleged murder. They found Mr Harrison's car at Mayfield.

Police found Barrett at a women's refuge. They interviewed her, and she allegedly blamed the murder on Fordham.

She told police Mr Harrison had come to visit. She said they went for a drive in Muswellbrook the night of June 22 and when they returned Fordham confronted them. She said he approached Mr Harrison from behind and grabbed him by the back of the head, stabbing him once in the face.

Mr Harrison allegedly tried to run away but Fordham forced him back to a chair in the backyard, she said.

She told police the pair wrapped him in a sheet and put him in his boot. They went to bush near Greta and buried him in a shallow grave.

The matters have been adjourned to October 3.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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