Man accused of murdering Quambatook community leader faces court on assault charges ABC Central VictoriaTopic:Courts50m ago50 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 3:26amMerril Kelly was a community leader and volunteer in Quambatook. (Supplied)In short:Victorian man Brian Barnes, 67, has faced court accused of an assault while in custody.Mr Barnes previously has been charged with murder, accused of killing Quambatook woman Merril Kelly in January.What's next?The case relating to the murder charge will return to court for a committal mention on July 23.abc.net.au/news/brian-barnes-merrill-kelly-quambatook-court-assault-charges/105233330Link copiedShareShare articleThe man accused of murdering Quambatook community leader Merril Kelly is facing fresh charges over an alleged assault in custody, a court has heard.Brian Barnes, 67, has been charged with murder over the death of the 70-year-old woman in the small regional town in January. Ms Kelly was a much-loved community leader, active volunteer and former teacher.Her body was discovered by firefighters after a grass fire near the old Quambatook cemetery.Bendigo Magistrates Court today heard Mr Barnes was facing fresh "custody-related assault" charges.The court heard Mr Barnes was in custody for treatment at a secure mental health facility, Thomas Embling Hospital in Melbourne.In court, appearing via video-link, Mr Barnes seemed agitated at times."The first thing I need to tell you is that the legal team that was assigned to me from Bendigo Legal Aid have refused to follow my instructions," Mr Barnes told the magistrate.Brian Barnes, 67, is in custody at the Thomas Embling Hospital in Melbourne. (Instagram)The court heard Mr Barnes was yet to meet his new lawyer, Tim Marsh.The prosecution applied for CCTV and body-worn camera footage in relation to the alleged assault by Mr Barnes while he was in custody.That application hearing will be discussed in court on July 20.The prosecution said there was a substantial amount of evidence that had been delayed in relation to the charge of murder, including a crucial medical examiner's report.The murder case will return to court for a committal mention on July 23.ABC Central Vic —local news in your inboxGet our local newsletter, delivered free each TuesdayYour information is being handled in accordance with the ABC Privacy Collection Statement.Email addressSubscribePosted 50m ago50 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 3:26amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesPM addresses National Press Club ahead of campaigning blitzLIVEPhoto shows Anthony Albanese holds hands with his fiancee as they smile and walk into a rally.Inflation 'clears way' for RBA interest rate cut in MayLIVEPhoto shows RBA buildingHeadline inflation stable at 2.4pc while RBA's preferred measure drops within targetTopic:InflationPhoto shows Cash money in a purse with a calculator, tea towel, list of bills on a notepad and a penThere's a reason Dutton can't resort to a scare campaign with older AustraliansAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbPhoto shows Peter DuttonHolmes à Court fuels movement that denies he will have seat at tableTopic:Political Parties and MovementsPhoto shows shac tealPopular nowErin Patterson served guests deadly meals on different coloured plates to her own, jury hearsLIVEPhoto shows A digital drawing of Erin Patterson wearing a pink shirtInflation 'clears way' for RBA interest rate cut in MayLIVEPhoto shows RBA buildingKooyong corflute kerfuffle headed for court as Liberals cry foul at councilTopic:Federal GovernmentPhoto shows Monique Ryan Amelia Hamer pre-poll signsRelated topicsBendigoCourtsHorshamQuambatookTop StoriesPM addresses National Press Club ahead of campaigning blitzTopic:Australian Federal ElectionsPhoto shows Anthony Albanese holds hands with his fiancee as they smile and walk into a rally.Inflation 'clears way' for RBA interest rate cut in MayTopic:Stock MarketHeadline inflation stable at 2.4pc while RBA's preferred measure drops within targetTopic:InflationThere's a reason Dutton can't resort to a scare campaign with older AustraliansAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbHolmes à Court fuels movement that denies he will have seat at tableTopic:Political Parties and MovementsJust InWatchdog finds pressure on pilots a factor in plane's WA highway crashTopic:Air Incidents3m ago3 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 4:13amMore than 4 million Australians have already voted. Major political parties are taking noteTopic:Voting7m ago7 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 4:09amSaints coach 'absolutely filthy' about rookie's suspension, takes aim at VFLTopic:AFL9m ago9 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 4:07amDozens of dead birds found by river in case of suspected poisoningTopic:Birds14m ago14 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 4:02amMore Just InBack to top