Mount Isa triple murder accused denied bail
A former Queensland prison guard accused of murdering three friends on an outback motorcycle adventure more than 40 years ago has been denied bail amid concerns about his safety.
Bruce John Preston, 63, will remain in custody until he fights allegations he murdered Karen Edwards, 23, Timothy Thomson, 31, and Gordon Twaddle, 21, near Mt Isa in 1978.
Preston sought bail in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday on the grounds that he was of good character, not a flight risk and it was an historical, circumstantial case.
However, crown prosecutor Danny Boyle told the court Preston should remain in custody because he was not only a flight risk but could potentially take his own life to avoid a prison sentence.
Mr Boyle said a covert 2019 police recording of Preston talking with his wife on the telephone after the police investigation recommenced raised concerns about Preston's safety if he was released.
"I've never been this scared," Preston said on the recording, Mr Boyle told the court.
"I am not going to prison. I'd rather walk out into the street and blow my head off before I go to jail."
Judge Elizabeth Wilson agreed with the Crown and denied Preston's bail application.
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AAP