The case against a Finnish national charged with murdering a 50-year-old woman at Malua Bay has been adjourned while results from a DNA test are obtained.
John Risto Ahola, 50, of Tarcutta, was charged with the bashing murder of his alleged girlfriend, Sandra Margaret Thomson, in October last year. He appeared via audio-visual link at Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday.
Police found Ms Thomson’s body in the bathroom of a house in Yugura Street on October 18.
It is believed Ms Thomson, 50, died of severe head injuries, consistent with being bashed to death.
The court previously heard that a bloodied and broken wooden truncheon was found on the bathroom floor near her body.
According to court documents detailing forensic evidence, bloodstains were allegedly found on Mr Ahola’s face and within his beard and on other parts of his body.
At court on Monday, Director of Public Prosecutions lawyer Rob Taylor said DNA testing of hair that was found on Ms Thomson’s body hadn’t been completed yet.
“The reports are in the process of being completed,” Mr Taylor said.
He said the results may have implications for Mr Ahola and requested the case be adjourned until next month.
Mr Ahola will appear via AVL at Batemans Bay Local Court on August 13.
