The trial of a Mangerton man accused of murdering a frail, homeless alcoholic over money has entered its final stages in the NSW Supreme Court.
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Mark Jenkin is accused of beating Mark Dower to death inside his NSW Housing unit in Crana Place sometime in late-March 2015 before dumping his body in one of the complex’s shared laundries.
Mr Dower’s remains were found April 16, with a subsequent forensic examination confirming he had suffered multiple injuries in the days and weeks before his death.
How he came to be in that state and who might be responsible has been the subject of a six-week, judge-alone trial involving dozens of witnesses, including Mangerton locals who claim Jenkin regularly stood over residents for money, especially Mr Dower, who received dual pensions from his time working as an English teacher in Finland.
Many witnesses recalled seeing Mr Dower injured and dazed at various times while he was at Jenkin’s unit block.
Crown prosecutor Michael Fox on Monday said Jenkin’s version of events - that Mr Dower had been physically abused by another resident prior to his stay in Jenkin’s unit - just didn't add up.
“All the witnesses said Mr Dower wasn't injured when Jenkin took him away [to his unit],” Mr Fox said.
“This pillar of his [Jenkin’s defence] case falls down - his case is a house of cards.”
He said Jenkin’s explanation for not seeking treatment for Mr Dower – because he “didn’t like hospitals and begged not to be taken” – was farcical.
“He [Mr Dower] was always at the hospital – there’s evidence he sometimes slept in the emergency department,” he said.
Jenkin’s lawyer, Peter Lowe, will give his closing statement on Tuesday.