POLICE homicide squad detectives are not expected to charge a Warrnambool man with offences after the death of his former partner.
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Gerard Conlan, 46, of Whites Road, appeared in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court yesterday for a contest mention hearing.
Solicitor Matt Senia said his client had been charged with assault-related offences after an alleged incident on July 31 and the complainant in the matter died on August 27.
He said delays had then been caused while a pathologist prepared a report on whether there was any link between the alleged incident on July 31 and the woman’s death.
Mr Senia said the prosecution had now received the pathologist’s report. He said there was a further application for the case to be adjourned while homicide squad detectives reviewed the brief of evidence and decided whether other charges would be laid.
Mr Senia said although there was a factual dispute about some of the charges, it was expected that Mr Conlan would plead guilty to a single charge of recklessly causing injury.
Magistrate Ron Saines asked police prosecutor Senior Constable Paul Harris if there was a clear opinion expressed in the pathologist’s report.
Senior Constable Harris said he had been advised there did not appear to be a connection between the current charges and the woman’s death.
The case was adjourned until another hearing on February 11, when it is likely there will be a plea of guilty if no further charges are laid by homicide squad detectives.