A Sydney tradie accused of murdering a teacher will remain behind bars for two months as police pursue an application for his DNA.
Ashley Gaddie was represented by his lawyer at Penrith Local Court on Friday, more than two months after his lover’s body was found in bed.
Police allege the 33-year-old murdered Dannielle Finlay-Jones, 31, at a home in Cranebrook before 2.30pm on December 18 and then fled the scene.
Ashley Gaddie has been charged with the murder of young teacher Dannielle Finlay-Jones.
The couple had spent the night with Ms Finlay-Jones’ friends and slept the night at their house, according to police allegations.
Her friends, who thought the couple were enjoying a sleep in, discovered the teacher in a bloody state when they checked in on her at 2.30pm.
According to police facts tendered in court, she was allegedly lying in bed alone with horrific head injuries.
Emergency services were called to the scene, but they pronounced the 31-year-old dead on arrival.
After three days of investigations by specialist officers, Mr Gaddie was arrested just after midnight on December 21 in the NSW Blue Mountains.
Police cornered the Five Dock resident at Fletcher’s Lookout, where he was standing on the cliff edge.
Dannielle Finlay-Jones was killed on December 18 after a night out with friends. Picture: Facebook
Ms Finlay-Jones was remembered as a keen sportswoman. Picture: Facebook
He was arrested at midnight after a dramatic 12-hour standoff with officers at the precarious location.
On Friday, the court was told police were pursuing an application to use a DNA sample taken from Mr Gaddie as admissible evidence.
Although he did not consent, the forensic swab was taken shortly before Christmas to preserve the “transient” nature of the sample.
Mr Gaddie’s lawyer Diane Elston and the police were expected to discuss the forensic application before magistrate George Zdenkowski on Friday, but it did not proceed.
“It could be the case that (the police application for DNA) will be unopposed,” Ms Elston told the court.
“I’ve had some very frank discussions with the officer in charge this morning and I think it’s likely it won’t require much court time.”
Police believe Ms Finlay-Jones and Mr Gaddie were dating. Picture: Facebook
Mr Gaddie was found and charged three days after her death. Picture: Facebook
The Crown prosecutor and police sergeant agreed to the eight-week adjournment”.
Mr Zdenkowski adjourned the matter until April 28.
Mr Gaddie will remain in custody on remand until the next court date.
He has been behind bars since December last year.
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