Murdered Gold Coast mum Tara Brown begged for her life in chilling 000 call
Murdered Gold Coast mum Tara Brown begged for her life in the moments before she was allegedly run off the road and bashed to death by her ex-partner.
That is the grim picture painted by the chilling emergency call the 24-year-old made in her final conscious moments on September 8.
Murdered Gold Coast mum Tara Brown begged for her life in the moments before she was allegedly run off the road and bashed to death by her ex-partner. Photo: Instagram
Police allege Ms Brown desperately called emergency services just after 8:45am, only moments after she dropped her daughter off at Nerang Childcare Centre.
They will allege in court that Ms Brown repeatedly begged for her accused killer, ex-bikie boyfriend Lionel Patea, to stop chasing her in a separate vehicle.
The alleged killer stops his car and starts running back to his high school sweetheart Tara Brown - not to help, but to hurt. Photo: 7 News
Less than a minute later, a loud crashing noise. This was the moment Patea is alleged to have used his car to run Ms Brown's vehicle off the road.
The harrowing recording, which is said to have traumatised senior police officers, continues as Ms Brown was allegedly beaten to death with a cast iron fire hydrant as she lay pinned in the wreckage.
Her family was forced to turn off her life support the following day due to the sickening injuries suffered to her face and head.
A recording and transcript of the call will be used as evidence against Mr Patea, who was committed to stand trial for the murder of the 24-year-old during a brief hearing at the Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Family and friends of murdered mum Tara Brown yesterday faced her accused killer and former partner in the Queensland court.
Mp Patea didn't speak during his appearance as a packed gallery, including Ms Brown's mother, watched on. Members of Mr Patea's family, including his brother, were also in the courtroom.
Lionel Patea and 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.
Police allege Ms Brown desperately called emergency services just after 8:45am, only moments after she dropped her daughter off at Nerang Childcare Centre. Photo: Instagram
The partner of Ms Brown's mother, Jonathan Gardner, said outside court it had been "tough" to be in the same room as Mr 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.
If you are struggling mentally, are a victim of domestic violence or are in need of crisis support don't hesitate to contact LifeLine on 13 11 14. If you find yourself in immediate danger contact 000.
