Source : Perth Now news
A woman accused of killing her long-term partner by stabbing him in the heart allegedly recorded their “toxic” relationship with her phone.
Megan Solomon, 33, is accused of murdering Leon Strickland, 43, last December in the small Victorian town of Orbost – 375km east of Melbourne.
Prosecutors allege she deliberately plunged a small knife 5cm into Mr Strickland’s heart in the evening of December 11 in a “heat of the moment” act.
Ms Solomon sought bail in the Victorian Supreme Court on Wednesday ahead of her trial in February next year.
Called to give evidence, homicide squad Detective Senior Constable Cassandra Syddall said it would be alleged hundreds of audio recordings on Ms Solomon’s phone captured the couple’s “extremely toxic” relationship.
“There was insults and abuse on the recordings from both parties,” she said.
“There were allegations of assaults made by the accused towards the deceased and allegations of assaults made by the deceased to the accused.”
Constable Syddall recalled two examples of Ms Solomon allegedly saying words to the effect of “I wish someone would punch your head in so you can understand better” and “you should just kill yourself, no one would miss you”.
In messages allegedly sent between the pair, the officer said Mr Strickland appeared to confirm he’d assaulted Ms Solomon in 2013 and 2024 – backed up by medical records.
Constable Syddall said witnesses known to the couple did not recall Mr Strickland alleging his partner was physically violent, but he had “made allegations he was scared of her”.
Defence lawyer Angie Wong argued Ms Solomon should be released on bail and had accommodation, work and culturally appropriate supports in place.
Ms Wong said her client had no prior convictions, a deep connection to Aboriginal culture and community and argued there were “triable issues in this case”.
“The reasons in support far outweigh the reasons to keep Ms Solomon in custody,” she said.
Deakin University deputy vice chancellor and Aboriginal Elder Mark Rose gave evidence in support of Ms Solomon, saying he knew her through her work as a facilitator for the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association.
Professor Rose said Ms Solomon had a “rock solid” and “highly regarded” reputation at the organisation, which works to assist and advocate for Aboriginal communities in the education system.
The court was told the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association had flexible administrative work available for Ms Solomon if she was bailed.
“There will be work for her to do and it will be valuable and meaningful,” Professor Rose said.
Prosecutors, led by David Glynn SC, have opposed bail arguing the case against Ms Solomon is “strong” and there would be “some significant hurdles for a successful claim of self-defence”.
Justice Amanda Fox will hand down a decision on Thursday.
