Alleged cop killers in court
A MAN and woman accused of murdering a Gold Coast detective faced court separately yesterday. Donna McAvoy, 37, and Benjamin Power, 38, kissed briefly in the dock when they first faced court on attempted murder charges earlier this week.
But there was no opportunity to see each other when they came back before the Southport Magistrates Court yesterday on upgraded charges of murdering Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding.
The 35-year-old husband and father died in hospital on Wednesday after his life support machine was turned off.
He suffered horrific injuries when he was blasted in the face with a shotgun as he went to help staff and patrons held hostage during a tavern hold-up on the Gold Coast on Sunday.
Phillip Abell, 37, the alleged triggerman who is also facing a charge of murder, was not required to appear.
A female friend of Abell sobbed quietly from the public gallery when she realised he would not be appearing. The three accused are also facing charges of armed robbery and deprivation of liberty.
The case was adjourned for a committal mention on June 24.
A public memorial service, with full police honours, will be held at the Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre on Tuesday.
