Australia - Erin Gilbert, 42, murdered, Merrylands, Sydney, 9th April 2023

[Dpdan]

At last!

 

[Marg944]

Following on from TootsieFootsie’s post of 11th July 2025:-


“A long-haired Jensen faced Parramatta Local Court via video link on Thursday where he formally pleaded not guilty.

Jensen, who has been on remand at Cessnock Correctional Centre, spoke briefly to confirm he understood when Magistrate Peter Feather committed him for trial at the NSW Supreme Court.
“I understand that your Honour,” Jensen said.

He will face arraignment on September 5.”

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/parramatta/morten-jensen-to-face-trial-after-allegedly-murdering-erin-gilbert-at-merrylands/news-story/d228618c97a7c36a4d72524c382bf638

 

[Marg944]

 

[TootsieFootsie]

Trial date set for 16th February 2026

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/parramatta/merrylands-morten-jensen-to-stand-trial-over-alleged-murder-of-erin-mullavey/news-story/264f3532d7e92bf3b06523c36c4406b6?amp

Behind a paywall, I think. Posting it here for those who subscribe.

 

[Dpdan]

A judge only trial? Interesting.

 

[Marg944]

A judge only trial? Interesting.

I wonder why? I googled reasons why this would be a judge only trial and a couple of answers were that the case was too complex for a jury, or adverse publicity that could influence a jury.

Surely it couldn’t be adverse publicity - look at how much publicity Erin Patterson had, yet she had a jury.

 

[Dpdan]

It must have been negotiated in those endless mentions. I was suspicious when there was nothing reported in the news for 2 years and now hearing it's judge only I'm even more suspicious! It looks like secrecy.

 

[iamshadow21]

I wonder why? I googled reasons why this would be a judge only trial and a couple of answers were that the case was too complex for a jury, or adverse publicity that could influence a jury.

Surely it couldn’t be adverse publicity - look at how much publicity Erin Patterson had, yet she had a jury.

It's my understanding that a defendant can choose a bench trial. So it may simply be that he feels he'll have a better chance that way.

MOO

 

[Dpdan]

They can apply but it's not a given it will be granted - prosecution has to agree, or if they don't agree, court can rule that it's in the interests of justice. There would need to be evidence that a jury trial could be unfair. We've heard so little about this case that there isn't an obvious reason for this.