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The man accused of killing his 11-month-old daughter and his partner is recovering in hospital in police custody, his lawyer says, amid plans to have the case referred to the mental health court.
Blake Matthew Seers was charged this month with two counts of murder after he allegedly killed his partner Kate Paterson, 37, and their daughter April, and their bodies were found in their Logan home.
At Seers’ first court hearing last week, his lawyer said the 38-year-old had been diagnosed with a schizoaffective disorder.
Paterson’s and April’s bodies were discovered after Seers was hit by a vehicle on March 12, outside a supermarket near his home in Belivah, south of Brisbane.
When officers attended Seers’ home to alert family of his injuries, they instead discovered the bodies.
Police earlier said Seers had been reported by witnesses running towards the road and might have had a neck injury when he was struck on Beaudesert Beenleigh Road at Bannockburn shortly before 7.30am.
Ivan Sayad, representing Seers in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday, said his client remained in hospital in custody.
“Ultimately, there is an assessment that will take place and an application filed for a referral to the mental health court,” he said.
Outside court, Sayad spoke of Seers’ condition.
“He is slowly getting better. Obviously, this matter is going to take some time,” he said.
“It’s very sensitive. It’s unfortunate for everyone involved.
“Until then, it’s going to remain before the court, and I’ll make comments in due course.”
The case was adjourned until June, with the prosecution seeking at least 10 weeks for the brief of evidence to be compiled.
In the days after the deaths of Paterson – a year 5 teacher at Windaroo State School in Logan – and April, community members including school students gathered in a park near the Belivah home to remember them.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service (1800RESPECT) on 1800 737 732.
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Cloe Read is the crime and court reporter at Brisbane Times.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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