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Trial Begins for Brian Barnes Over Alleged Murder of Merril Kelly in Quambatook
Prosecutors say the alleged killing followed a dispute over unpaid pool plumbing work, and Brian Barnes has pleaded not guilty to murder.
- On Wednesday, the murder trial of Brian Robert Barnes began in the Supreme Court in Bendigo, where prosecutors alleged he killed community volunteer Merril Kelly in January 2025.
- A conflict emerged in November 2024 after Barnes performed voluntary plumbing work at the Quambatook Memorial Swimming Pool, escalating from a request to be paid "with cake" to demands for $2,500.
- Crown prosecutor Patrick Bourke alleged Barnes entered Kelly's home at 1:42 a.m. on January 21, 2025, attacked her in bed, and dragged her body to the local cemetery, where he set it on fire.
- Barnes allegedly told his brother the killing was a "foolproof plan" and "she deserved it" after asking why she had not paid him, according to evidence presented on Wednesday.
- The 68-year-old has pleaded not guilty to murder, with barrister David Cronin SC expected to lead the defense case following the prosecution's opening conclusion on Thursday.
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Sydney Morning Herald+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Grandmother bludgeoned, set alight after refusing to bake cake for alleged killer, court told
The court heard her alleged killer Brian Barnes, 68, developed a desire to kill following a dispute over plumbing works at a volunteer-run public swimming pool at Quambatook, about 300 kilometres north-west of Melbourne.
·North Sydney, Australia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources6
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Left
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
67% Left
L 67%
C 17%
R 16%
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