Source : the age
By Rex Martinich
Family and friends of a woman allegedly set on fire have packed a small suburban courtroom for the first scheduled appearance of a man charged with attempted murder.
Renata Edward Manning, 36, was arrested at Kingston, south of Brisbane on Saturday and charged with eight offences including one count each of attempted murder and common assault.
Family and supporters of Destiny Otton-Rakuraku, who was set on fire in an alleged attempted murder, outside the Beenleigh Magistrates Court. Credit: AAPIMAGE
Manning has been accused of producing a lighter and setting 34-year-old Destiny Otton-Rakuraku on fire.
Manning was not required to appear in person or via videolink in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Monday for the first mention of his charges.
Police allege the pair were involved in an altercation about 7.45am on Saturday before Manning pulled out a lighter and set Otton-Rakuraku on fire.
She was treated by paramedics at the scene and was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a serious condition.
Defence solicitor Jacilynn Young in court on Monday did not make an application for bail.
“I’m seeking an adjournment of perhaps five weeks for a legal aid application to be lodged and considered,” she said.
Ms Young also applied for prosecutors to provide the defence with a brief of evidence within five weeks.
Magistrate Tracy Mossop adjourned the matter to March 12 and remanded Manning in custody.
Otton-Rakuraku’s friends and supporters declined to comment as they left court.
An online fundraiser for Otton-Rakuraku’s medical bills and recovery had more than $24,000 pledged during its first 24 hours of accepting donations.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
AAP
