'Nah': Tara Brown's accused killer had nothing to say in court
Family and friends of murdered mum Tara Brown have faced her accused killer and former partner in a Queensland court.
Lionel John Patea, 24, was committed to stand trial for the murder of the 24-year-old during a brief hearing at the Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The ex-Bandidos bikie is accused of running Ms Brown's car off the road on a suburban Gold Coast street on September 8 and then bludgeoning her to death with a fire hydrant cover while she was trapped in her overturned vehicle.
Patea didn't speak during his appearance as a packed gallery, including Ms Brown's mother, watched on.
Members of Patea's family, including his brother, were also in the courtroom.
Lionel Patea adn Tara Brown picture one month before her death. Photo: 7 News
Mr Patea who showed little emotion during the proceedings, is facing five charges, including murder, breaching a domestic violence order and unlawful driving offences.
When Magistrate Barbara Tynan asked Mr Patea if he had anything to say or if he wished to make a plea, he stood up and said "nah",Fairfax Media reports.
The partner of Ms Brown's mother, Jonathan Gardner, said outside court it had been "tough" to be in the same room as Patea.
"It's something you can't prepare for I think but you've got to do it," Mr Gardner said.
Earlier, about 30 people laid roses at the courthouse entrance in a show of support for Ms Brown.
The group also used the occasion to speak out against domestic violence.
Ms Brown's boss, Jason Hall, said the past two months had been "devastating" for those who knew her but it was important to keep her memory alive.
"We're here just for Tara today," Mr Hall said.
"We've got a situation where there's been so many domestic violence incidents now over this last period that it's got to change.
"We can't do this again."
At the end of the hearing, Mr Patea was led away by court staff in silence. His brother and other family members left the court without making any comment.
