Queensland triple murder accused Bruce John Preston denied bail over 1978 outback murders
Former Queensland prison guard Bruce John Preston, charged over the Spear Creek triple murders in 1978, has been denied Supreme Court bail in what was described as a “circumstantial case.”
Preston, 63, is accused of the murders of Karen Edwards, Tim Thomson and Gordon Twaddle, who were found shot dead in bushland more than four decades ago.
The three friends were on a “trip of a lifetime” from Alice Springs to Cairns and were travelling through outback Queensland when they were shot on October 5, 1978.
Bruce John Preston was today denied Supreme Court bail. 9News
The court heard Mr Preston’s account of his whereabouts had recently changed.
He initially denied being in the area at the relevant time during a 1978 interview but now admits he could have been there.
Mr Preston’s defence lawyer argued the “passage of time” meant he was not a flight risk.
Karen Edwards, Gordon Twaddle and Tim Thomson, were killed in 1978. Supplied
But the Prosecution argued Mr Preston would remain in custody for his own protection with covert recordings allegedly capturing him saying he would “rather walk out onto the street and blow my head off before going to jail.”
It’s alleged a man matching Mr Preston’s description was seen with the deceased the night before the killings. It is also alleged that the three victims were last seen alive getting into a Landcruiser which matched the description of one owned by Mr Preston’s father.
The friends were on a trip of a lifetime when they were killed. 9News
A distinctive Honda motorbike matching Mr Preston’s was also allegedly spotted in the area at the time.
The BMW motorbike belonging to one of the deceased was found in Mr Preston’s possession but he claims he found it.
His defence said there was no scientific evidence linking him to the crimes.
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