A Port Fairy woman who died at home after she was allegedly assaulted by her partner is believed to have discharged herself from hospital.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Kylie Cay's partner, 31-year-old Justin Turner of Elizabeth Street, Port Fairy, has been charged with her murder and breaching an intervention order.
It is understood the case against him will centre on whether or not the injuries that led to Ms Cay's hospitalisation caused her death and if her own actions contributed to her death.
Mr Turner appeared in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court court on Monday last week charged with allegedly attacking the mother-of-three the Saturday night before with a hammer.
He is also accused of stomping on her and dragging her around by her hair.
She admitted herself to the Port Fairy hospital, which prompted police involvement.
She was then taken by ambulance to the Warrnambool Base Hospital for treatment.
Police said Ms Cay had suffered two fractured right ribs, a broken shoulder and bruising to her face and the tops of her feet.
Fairfax Media understands she checked herself out against hospital advice and returned home on the Monday.
A spokeswoman for the hospital said they would not comment given the case is before the court.
Ms Cay's family members found her dead in her home in Elizabeth Street in Port Fairy on Wednesday afternoon.
Mr Turner, who was remanded in custody at the time, had been charged with recklessly causing serious injury and breaching an intervention order.
An autopsy was conducted on Thursday and homicide squad detectives took over the case later that day.
On Friday morning homicide squad detectives were in court and successfully applied to interview Mr Turner, who was charged with murder later that night.
He appeared in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court for a filing hearing on Monday.
Police prosecutor, Senior Constable Kevin Mullins, said a medical report would take at least 15 weeks to prepare.
Magistrate Peter Mellas adjourned the case until October 4 for a committal mention hearing, with a brief of evidence expected to be served by the end of August.
There was no application for bail.