On Tuesday, during court proceedings regarding the tragic death of Emma Bates, prosecutor Matthew Cookson requested an adjournment of the committal hearing due to unforeseen and significant circumstances. The situation escalated dramatically when John Torney, Bates’ younger brother, was charged with negligent manslaughter in connection to her death. The urgency of the request stemmed from an incident that occurred on Sunday, in which John allegedly set fire to their mother’s home on Campbell Street, just as police arrived for a welfare check on Bates. The fire quickly spiraled out of control, leading to John’s hospitalization under police guard, further complicating the legal proceedings.
The court was informed that their mother, Belinda Torney, who was expected to be a key witness in the case, was also present in the home during the fire incident. Fortunately, she suffered no physical injuries, but she lost her home and personal belongings. Prosecutor Cookson noted that Belinda was in an unstable mental state and unable to provide testimony for the hearing scheduled that week. This unexpected turn of events has significantly impacted the progression of the case, as Belinda’s testimony could have played a crucial role in the proceedings.
During prior hearings, the turmoil within the Torney family was brought to light. Just days before Emma Bates was discovered deceased, John’s brother reported hearing incidents of domestic violence between John and Bates. He made a welfare visit to Bates’ residence and found her with visible injuries, leading him to suspect that John had assaulted her. The brother later informed police that John had threatened him, boasting about his capability to harm Bates further. This evidence painted a grim picture of the family dynamics and raised alarming questions about John’s behavior and state of mind leading up to Bates’ death.
Testimonies revealed further insights into the concerning relationship dynamics, particularly concerning John and his mother. In a chilling statement, their mother reportedly told investigators that despite public perceptions, John truly was a dangerous and violent individual. The fear within the family of John’s potential release on bail was palpable, as they voiced intentions to flee instead. In a harrowing exchange prior to Bates’ death, John suggested to his mother that Bates was unwell but refused to call for medical assistance, stating that he had physically harmed her, which highlights the tense and dangerous situation that Bates faced.
John Torney’s legal representation argued that he had already spent over a year in custody and maintained that the case could proceed without the testimonies of the two key witnesses. They suggested the absence of these testimonies should not hinder the process. However, Magistrate Stephen Ballek deemed the circumstances surrounding the case to be highly serious and extreme, opting for an adjournment of the proceedings rather than allowing them to proceed under such precarious conditions. John was remanded until a future appearance in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a scheduled four-day committal hearing.
Adding to the complexities of John’s legal history, it was noted that he had previously faced a serious accusation in 2016 surrounding the death of his former partner’s daughter, Nikki Francis Coslovich, though he was ultimately found not guilty of murder in that case. Such a background raises additional concerns and scrutiny over his character and actions as the current case unfolds. As the legal process develops, the details surrounding Emma Bates’ tragic death and the circumstances of her relationship with John will be under close examination. For those affected by similar situations, resources and support services are available, including 1800RESPECT, Lifeline, and Beyond Blue.
