Copyright abc
The lawyer representing a man accused of a domestic violence murder in the New South Wales Hunter region has described the incident as "tragic", and says those involved are "very distraught". Christopher James McLoughney, 37, was refused bail by a Sydney magistrate on Sunday morning, after being charged with murder, as well as a drug possession and two firearm-related offences. He was arrested near a Bellbird sporting club on Saturday night, a day after the body of 39-year-old Rhukaya Lake was found inside a home on Ellalong Street, in Kearsley, just outside of Cessnock. Police responded to the property around 7.30pm on Friday following reports a woman had been injured and alleged gunshots were heard. A child is believed to have raised the alarm by walking up to 400 metres to flag down passing motorists. Ms Lake was located by officers with serious injuries, including a gunshot wound, but died. An investigation into her alleged domestic violence murder was established a short time later, involving Hunter Valley Police and the State Crime Command Homicide Squad. Police previously said a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition were allegedly found inside Mr McLoughney's car, and were taken for forensic testing. Mental health concerns, court hears The accused didn't face Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday; his lawyer, Osman Samin, appeared on his behalf. Mr Samin said the 37-year-old would not apply for bail which was then formally refused. He requested that "welfare checks" be conducted on his client who he said had "a number of significant mental health conditions". The magistrate granted the request and adjourned the matter until January next year at Newcastle Court. Outside court, Mr Samin told media it was "a tragic incident". "Nothing that I am going to say is going to change that," Mr Samin said. "Unfortunately at this stage, it is impossible for me to make any meaningful comment about the allegations other than a very short police summary. Small community saddened Cessnock Mayor Dan Watton told the ABC in a statement he was "deeply saddened" by Ms Lake's death. "My heartfelt condolences go out to all those impacted, especially the close family and friends who are grieving at this incredibly difficult time," Mr Watton said. "Please know that the entire Cessnock community stands with you." NSW Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Jodie Harrison, described Ms Lake's death as "terrible news". "We are certainly supporting police with everything we can to ensure the investigation goes as smooth as it can," she said.
