prison murder accused face court
Rex Martinich
One of two men accused of killing a prisoner told a judge he killed the victim because he was sexually abusing children.
Shannon Daniel Norgate, 28, was found unresponsive with serious injuries in the attack at Maryborough Prison on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast’s north on November 26.
He died in hospital on December 1.
Norgate was jailed in 2020 for sexually assaulting teenage boys in a shopping centre’s toilet block.
Other detainees, Bodhi James Barry Johnson, 29, and Isaac James Martin, 31, were charged with murder Wednesday.
At a brief hearing in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday, Martin said he killed Norgate after being told he would face a mandatory life sentence if convicted of murder.
“It’s true, Your Honor. I killed my old friend because he was a child molester. I don’t deny anything. I killed him,” he said.
Martin appeared via video link wearing a white prison coat and growing a beard.
Judge Aaron Simpson told Martin he should seek legal representation.
“Killing a person doesn’t necessarily mean murder. There are different levels to killing a person. If that’s the case, an attorney can help you get the best outcome,” Simpson said.
Martin has previously said he did not seek legal representation because he did not bother to do so.
“I represent myself, man,” Martin said.
“This is a murder charge,” Simpson said.
“Everything’s fine,” said Martin.
Martin was taken into custody with his case set to return to court on March 9.
He was previously sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2023 for unlawful assault that caused the death of fellow inmate Zlatko Sikorsky, who was awaiting trial for the murder of 16-year-old Larissa Beilby.
Johnson also appeared briefly via video link wearing a prison-themed green T-shirt.
Mr Simpson heard he had applied for legal representation and is currently in custody at Woodford Prison, north of Brisbane.
Johnson was taken into custody with his case set to return to court on March 9.
He was eligible to apply for parole next month while serving time for car theft and arson.
Start your day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
