Defence lawyer questions domestic-violence element in Jana Armstrong case

A lawyer for a man accused of murdering Toowoomba woman Jana Armstrong has questioned the domestic-violence element of the charges against his client. Dharminder Singh, 48, faces charges relating to murder, a domestic-violence offence and arson involving Armstrong’s car. His case was mentioned in Toowoomba Magistrates Court, where lawyer Ramli Salehkon said he was puzzled by the way the domestic-violence allegation had been framed.

Salehkon said he understood there had been no domestic violence committed by Singh against Armstrong and referred to an incident in which he alleged violence had been committed by Armstrong against Singh. Magistrate Kyna Morice stopped the discussion, saying the conduct of the deceased was not appropriate for the hearing. The lawyer said the incident should be included in the brief of evidence.

The magistrate said it might be included in material that had not yet been fully served. The case was adjourned to 12 November while police completed the brief and forensic material was finalised. Armstrong’s body was found in bushland near Redbank Creek on 12 July.

Her car had been found abandoned in a street near her home the previous day. Family members attended the hearing. Her sister, Faith Isaacs, said relatives wanted to show support for Armstrong and her six-month-old son.

She said the family was distressed by the defence questioning. Singh remains in custody.