Crown prosecutor Nathan Crane mentioned Morrow, 45, was in mattress in his unit within the Brisbane coastal suburb of Wynnum after consuming a major quantity of alcohol with mates.
Gaffney, aged 24 on the time, had bought methamphetamine earlier than he was seen approaching Morrow’s unit at midnight whereas his visitors have been nonetheless there however didn’t enter.
Gaffney then caught a sequence of trains and ended up again at Wynnum earlier than 8am.
Crane mentioned Morrow had gone to mattress after his visitors left at 2am and had a blood alcohol focus twice the restrict for driving, which defined why he won’t have heard Gaffney enter his unit or been in a position to rise up and defend himself.
“It does not speak to there being any conversation,” Crane mentioned.
He mentioned Gaffney had armed himself with a chunk of timber from Morrow’s yard and hit him within the head no less than twice, based on the pathologist’s report.
“There was a significant laceration on his forehead and significant fractures to his (eye socket), nose and skull,” Crane mentioned.
Gaffney left the blood-soaked piece of timber beside Morrow’s mattress and coated his physique with a doona earlier than leaving.
Gaffney’s DNA was left behind on the timber and Morrow’s blood was discovered on his pants.
Gaffney was interviewed by police and had spoken about having a pre-occupation with Morrow, however the prosecutor mentioned elements of his account have been contradicted by different proof.
“We have what might be some features of a motive but (Gaffney) might not have disclosed the true motive,” Crane mentioned.
Gaffney’s barrister Colin Reid mentioned his shopper had been supported in custody by his household and this is able to proceed throughout his jail time period and after launch.
“He has indicated his remorse and he understands the very serious nature of the offences and the consequences,” Reid mentioned.
Chief Justice Helen Bowskill mentioned it was a tragic case and that Gaffney had a beforehand good relationship with Morrow and had frolicked dwelling at his unit however had then determined to inflict surprising accidents upon him.
“These were horrific events … you have taken responsibility for this terrible act,” Justice Bowskill mentioned.
Justice Bowskill mentioned Gaffney had a critical drug habit and had been identified with drug-induced psychosis.
“It’s a reminder of the damages of drugs that cause you to completely lose control,” Justice Bowskill mentioned.
She mentioned she was legally required to condemn Gaffney to life in jail with parole after 20 years.
Gaffney shall be eligible for parole in 2041 resulting from his earlier two-and-half years in custody.
Source: www.9news.com.au
