A man has been denied bail following accusations of orchestrating the murder of his former partner, Kiesha Thompson, by having her struck by an SUV in Brisbane. The judge emphasized concerns about the potential for witness tampering as a key reason for the bail denial.
Thompson, aged 23, allegedly encountered the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado while returning home from a childcare centre on July 19, 2024. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries later that night.
Tyler Scott William James, aged 27, is facing charges for murder as a domestic violence offence, alongside attempting to pervert the course of justice. Prosecutors assert that he collaborated with his co-defendant, 24-year-old Larissa Rita Mae-Leigh Sant, to prepare the SUV with false number plates for the act. Although James was not present during the incident, he is claimed to have hatched the scheme to eliminate Thompson.
Crown prosecutor Michael Lehane detailed how James allegedly expressed a desire to harm Thompson, including conversations where he contemplated her death for an easier life and even suggested payment for breaking her limbs. This pattern of threatening behaviour was reportedly relayed to close associates prior to the incident.
Additionally, James is accused of attempting to influence witnesses who had testified about his threats against Thompson, which complicates his case significantly. While defence counsel Matthew Hynes argued that the prosecution’s evidence is flawed and that James’s comments were made in a context of intimidation rather than genuine intent, the overall nature of the charges raised worries about the risks associated with granting bail.
Justice Lincoln Crowley stated that James’s proposal to reside in a remote area was insufficient to mitigate these concerns. The court noted the seriousness of the allegations, which suggest a premeditated plan that began two months before the event.
James is expected to face trial in late 2026, while Sant had previously been granted bail. The case highlights the severe implications of domestic violence and the ongoing need for support services in the community. For those affected by similar issues, resources such as the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service are available at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), and individuals are encouraged to reach out to Lifeline or Beyond Blue for additional assistance.