Neighbour heard child scream on day Brodie Moran, 8, died, court hears
A neighbour reportedly heard a young child screaming the day Brodie Moran, 8, was allegedly killed by his mother, a court has heard.
Joanne Finch of Tootgarook has been charged with murder over the death of her son at their seaside home in March.
The 42-year-old appeared briefly via video link on Friday in Melbourne Magistrates Court, where the next court date was set for October.
Ms Finch’s lawyer Brendan Wilkinson said his client was suffering from a severe depressive disorder at the time of the alleged offence.
“A psych report has come into my possession indicating my client was suffering major depressive disorder,” Mr Wilkinson said.
“Depending on what happens with the forensic material, there may not be a committal.
“This is a woman who had major issues.”
When asked if she understood what was happening in the court room, Ms Finch replied: “I do your honour”.
Magistrate Donna Bakos said documents already filed indicate that most of the witnesses listed for the committal mention say Ms Finch had “never displayed anything untoward towards her son”.
Ms Bakos also said a neighbour “heard a young child that was screaming” on the day of the incident.
“These matters are extraordinarily distressing,” she said.
The court had previously heard Ms Finch called triple zero for help before her son’s body was found by police shortly after 1.30pm at their home on March 8.
This is her first time in custody.