Trinity Bates

Pauvre puce. Le corps d'une petite fille de 9 ans disparue de son lit avait été retrouvé dans une canalisation. Le meurtrier présumé est un jeune de 19 ans qui étaient un "ami" des parents sur Facebook.

Accused killer a Facebook friend of Trinity's parents
COURTNEY TRENWITH AND AAP
February 24, 2010

Trinity Bates' accused in court
Heavy security as the man accused of killing eight year old Trinity Bates fronts up to court.

The teenager accused of murdering eight-year-old schoolgirl Trinity Bates is a friend of both her parents on Facebook.

Barefoot, handcuffed and dressed in prison clothes, Allyn John Slater briefly faced Bundaberg Magistrates Court this morning.

A handful of local residents hurled abuse as Mr Slater arrived under heavy police guard.



Eight-year-old Bundaberg schoolgirl Trinity Bates was abducted from her home and killed. Photo: Police Media
The hearing was short and the round-faced, sandy-haired 19-year-old kept his head bowed and did not make eye contact with those gathered in the court.

Magistrate Jennifer Batts remanded the Bundaberg resident in custody for a committal mention on May 17. He was automatically refused bail on one charge of murder.

Mr Slater's Facebook profile lists both of Trinity's parents as "friends".

Her parents were not in court during the hearing. Family friends and strangers yelled abuse as the accused arrived and left the premises.

Jessica McDowall said she had known Trinity since she was a little girl and felt compelled to be there.

She said she was relieved there'd been an arrest, saying her own children had been fearful.

''It put a smile on my dial,'' Ms McDowall said.

''I've got two little girls so I'm most definitely relieved. Neither of them would sleep in their beds the last two nights.''

'You gutless mug'

Ms McDowall said Trinity's loss had saddened and sickened her, and community anger ran deep.

''She was a lovely little girl, perfect,'' she said.

Another woman yelled at Mr Slater: ''Show your f---ing face you gutless mug.'' A man called for the accused to be killed.

A total of about 20 people were involved in the court protest. Others shouted abuse as they dove past the building.

Mr Slater, who had been held at the Bundaberg police station, arrived under heavy police escort and six officers were stationed outside the court.

He was driven through the court house gates and into a garage, where the door was lowered to keep him out of view.

'Let justice take its course'

Police earlier urged residents to show restraint, and beefed up security at the court.

Before the hearing, Detective Superintendent Maurice Carless said he understood people's feelings.

''But in terms of taking action on that, I think it's prudent to let the course of justice take its course.

"We'll be urging people to show restraint.''

Further charges may be laid
He said police would oppose bail, adding that further charges could be laid against the man after a post-mortem examination was completed later in the day.

Superintendent Carless said the family had expressed relief after hearing an arrest had been made.

"I understand the family has been relieved but, of course, this is a time for them for grieving,'' he said.

"It's a very difficult time so you can imagine there's a range of feelings they are going through.''

Trinity's father reported her missing about 5.45am on Monday and neighbours heard him in the street a short time later screaming that his daughter had been kidnapped.

Less than an hour later, her pyjama-clad body was found in an open drain close to her home.

Preparations are under way for a prayer vigil for Trinity at the Bundaberg Central Pavilion from 7pm today.

'Beautiful, happy little girl'

Trinity's grandmother Kerry Hanlon said in an interview taped by police media yesterday that the girl she knew and loved as ''Trin'' enjoyed singing, dancing, school and swimming.

''She was a beautiful, happy, loved and loving little girl,'' Ms Hanlon said.

She said family members were gathering together during their time of grief.

As the community was struggling to come to terms with the crime, investigators yesterday descended on the town in a bid to secure evidence.

Homicide detectives and officers from scientific, forensic, fingerprint and photographic units were sent from across the state and a Major Incident Room was established at Bundaberg police station.

State Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said ''every police resource'' was being used to investigate the "incomprehensible'' death of the child.

School in mourning

Devastated staff and students at the girl's school, Gooburrum State School, are being offered counselling, Education Queensland said yesterday.

Education Queensland North Coast regional director Greg Peach said the school's small community was ''deeply saddened''.

''Trinity was a friendly, bubbly girl who was always caring towards others,'' Mr Peach said in a statement.

''She enjoyed the friendship of both her peers as well as younger children, and was involved in choir activities at school.

''Trinity will be terribly missed.

''The thoughts and prayers of the school community are with her grieving family and friends at this distressing time."

Tributes

Bundaberg residents left tributes, including flowers and a teddy bear, near the drain where the girl's body was found.

Commissioner Atkinson yesterday expressed disgust at offensive comments that had infiltrated a Facebook site set up in memory of Trinity.

Police have not commented on whether they will investigate the messages, which are similar in nature to those posted on a tribute site for Elliott Fletcher, 12, who died after being stabbed in a schoolyard fight last week.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/accused-killer-a-facebook-friend-of-trinitys-parents-20100223-ov4i.html