In brief
In a significant move during the trial of Rajwinder Singh, jurors visited Wangetti Beach, where the body of murder victim Toyah Cordingley was found in 2018. During the visit, jurors viewed key locations to better understand the circumstances surrounding the case, which sees Singh accused of fatally attacking Cordingley and fleeing to India shortly after. The prosecution's argument hinges upon circumstantial evidence, including DNA analysis, while the defense asserts Singh’s innocence.
Jurors in a high-profile Australian murder trial have been taken to the remote Queensland beach where the victim was found.
Toyah Cordingley was 'repeatedly' stabbed with a sharp object and put in a shallow sandy grave with 'little or no hope of surviving', the jury has heard.
The 24-year-old's body was discovered by her father the following day on Wangetti Beach - a stretch of coastline between the tourist centres of Cairns and Port Douglas.
Rajwinder Singh, 41, denies murdering Ms Cordingley on a Sunday afternoon in October 2018 in Far North Queensland.
The jury of 10 men and two women, plus three back-up jurors, attended the beach along with the judge and barristers on Monday morning local time, marking the second week of the trial.
In a nod to the tropical conditions and temperatures above 30C, Justice Lincoln Crowley wore a T-shirt, sports shorts and trainers instead of the traditional robe and wig. Both the lead prosecution and defense barristers chose polo shirts, shorts, and baseball caps.
The jurors walked approximately 1.2km north along the beach to the spot where Ms Cordingley's body was discovered. Four red and white cones marked the location where the victim's car was parked on arrival.
This visit was intended to help the jurors become familiar with key locations in the case without presenting official evidence.
Previously, the court heard that Singh allegedly fled to India the day after Cordingley’s body was found and was not heard from until his arrest four years later, as per prosecution claims.
It is asserted that Singh had a confrontation with Cordingley, who the prosecution describes as 'a young woman, blonde and attractive'. The pharmacy worker was found in a bikini, with most of her clothes and belongings missing, items they believe were taken by the killer to avoid detection.
Evidence suggests Cordingley’s dog was tied to a tree nearby when she was killed, and while no murder weapon was found, the prosecution argues circumstantial evidence points to Singh and eliminates other suspects.
The case has drawn attention due to its tragic nature and the implications of Singh's swift departure from Australia. The defense has yet to present evidence but describes Singh as a conciliatory individual caught in unfortunate circumstances.
As proceedings resume in the courthouse on Tuesday, the jury awaits further evidence to form a complete picture of the alleged crime.
