Man stabbed before body found in concrete, court told

Blood Trails and the Stabbing at the Depot

The trial took a dramatic turn as the court was presented with chilling details about the events surrounding the alleged murder of Walsh. The prosecution revealed that two blood trails were discovered leading to the stairs downstairs at the depot. This was the location where Noy testified that "Ghost" was stabbed. When Crown prosecutor Chris Cook asked her who was responsible for the stabbing, Noy replied succinctly, "Josh." This statement directly implicated Josh in the alleged murder, and it set the stage for further questioning about the circumstances of the crime.

Noy’s Drug Use and Its Potential Impact on Her Testimony

Defence barrister Anna Cappellano shifted the focus to Noy’s use of methamphetamine, probing whether her drug use could have affected her recollection of events. Noy admitted to consuming methamphetamine regularly between August and November 2021, stating that she would typically use three or four shots per day, amounting to 0.4 grams in a 24-hour period. However, on the night of Walsh’s alleged murder, she revealed that she had consumed double her usual amount. When asked if this increased dosage could have impacted her memory, Noy denied any effect, insisting that her recollection of the events remained clear.

Discrepancies in Noy’s Testimony

Cappellano continued to question Noy about inconsistencies in her statements. She referenced Noy’s evidence from a 2023 pre-trial committal hearing, where Noy had claimed that Searston stabbed Walsh with his right hand. However, when asked in court whether she had a clear memory of the incident, Noy confirmed that she remembered Ghost being stabbed but admitted uncertainty about whether Josh had used his left or right hand. Cappellano highlighted that Noy’s current testimony differed from her previous statements, suggesting potential inconsistencies in her account of the events.

Noy Admits to Lying in Previous Statements

Under further cross-examination, Noy acknowledged that she had lied and provided inaccurate information in five police statements she gave in 2022. Despite these admissions, she steadfastly denied a suggestion from Cappellano that Searston had not stabbed, "skulldragged," or slapped Walsh. Noy maintained her stance, asserting that Searston was indeed responsible for the stabbing. This exchange revealed potential credibility issues with Noy’s testimony, as her admissions of dishonesty in previous statements could cast doubt on her reliability as a witness.

The Gruesome Discovery of Walsh’s Body

The court also heard about the grim condition in which Walsh’s body was found. Police discovered his body 2.5 meters into an oil pit at the depot. It was strapped to a toilet system, wrapped in plastic, and encased in concrete. The state of the body indicated significant decomposition, with nasal bone fractures, dislodged teeth, fractures around the right shoulder blade and collarbone, and abdomen stab wounds. These details painted a horrifying picture of the violence Walsh endured, further underscoring the severity of the crime.

The Case Against Searston and Noy’s Credibility

As the trial progresses, the credibility of Noy’s testimony remains a critical point of contention. While she insists that Searston stabbed Walsh, her history of drug use and the discrepancies in her statements raise questions about her reliability. The defence continues to challenge her account, highlighting the inconsistencies in an effort to undermine her credibility. Meanwhile, the prosecution relies on her testimony as a key part of their case against Searston. The outcome of the trial may hinge on whether the jury finds Noy’s version of events believable, despite her admissions of dishonesty and the potential impact of her drug use on her memory. The case remains highly contentious, with significant legal implications for all parties involved.