QLD: Delay granted in case against double murder accused

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-1998
QLD: Delay granted in case against double murder accused

BRISBANE, Dec 23 AAP - Police prosecutors have won an extra two months to prepare their
case against an 86-year-old Townsville man charged with the notorious 1970 murder of the
Mackay sisters.

In the Townsville Magistrates Court today, Magistrate John Brennan agreed to a police
request for more time to prepare, adjourning the committal hearing originally set down for
February 10.

The committal hearing of Arthur Stanley Brown, a former school maintenance worker, has
instead been listed for April 13 next year.

The week from May 17 to 21 has also been set aside for cross-examination of witnesses in
the case.

Townsville police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Kevin Smith agreed to give the defence
solicitor Mark Donnelly a copy of a DNA report on Brown's blood as soon as it arrived from the
Brisbane laboratory.

The Mackay sisters, Susan, 5, and Judith, 7, went missing on their way to school on August
26, 1970, and their bodies were found two days later dumped in a dry creek bed.

They had been stabbed, suffocated, strangled and sexually assaulted, with their dresses
folded neatly beside their school bags and shoes and socks.

More than 30 years after the girls' disappearance sparked one of the largest searches in
Queensland's history, Brown was charged with their murder two weeks ago.

Eight days later, he was granted bail by Supreme Court Judge Kerry Cullinane.

AAP bja/it

KEYWORD: MACKAY

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