Deadly balcony plunge victim named
Police have charged a man with murder after he allegedly threw an elderly man over a balcony “head first”.
Emergency services rushed to the unit on School Rd in Yeronga, a riverside suburb of Brisbane, at about 1:40pm after hearing reports that a 74-year-old had fallen from a first floor balcony.
He has since been identified as Michael Thomas Chesworth.
Police allege Mr Chesworth was “thrown over” the balcony before “hitting the cement below”.
The Yeronga man suffered critical head injuries in the fall and was transported to the Princess Alexandra Hospital where he later died.
Officers arrested Raymond John Binge, 49, at the scene and charged him with one count of murder.
The alleged attack was described as “callous and unprovoked” according to Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham.
“Information police obtained related to the 49-year-old man (says he was allegedly) going door to door quite aggressively seeking certain items,” he said
“The nature of what those items are is still subject to investigation.”
Police believe Mr Binge knocked on Mr Chesworth’s door while he was “enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon” with his partner.
“We allege that he answered the door and within a very short period of time there was a disagreement between the two men during the course of that disagreement we allege the 49-year-old man has physically picked up the deceased and thrown him headfirst over the railing onto the concrete below,” Detective Superintendent Massingham said.
Police believe Mr Binge then went to a unit “that he does not occupy” before he was found by police and taken into custody.
“He has been uncooperative the entire time. In terms of a formal interview he has exercised his right to silence,” he continued.
“This is horrendously tragic and confronting.”
Mr Binge briefly fronted Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday, where his matter was adjourned to October 16.
Mr Chesworth was rushed into emergency last night but could not be saved despite the efforts of hospital staff.
“His partner is devastated,” Detective Superintendent Massingham said, before confirming that she heard but did not see the incident take place.
Police do not believe the men were known to each other.
