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38-year-old Nicholas George Boak has been remanded in custody after being charged with the murder of a man at Cairns Central shopping centre yesterday morning. 

The deceased has been identified as 51-year-old man Michael Eaton. 

After being charged overnight, Mr Boak did not appear at his Cairns Magistrates Court hearing this morning due to safety concerns in transporting him from the watch house. 

Lawyer Natasha Jackson told the court the defendant wished to attend his hearing today in person.

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"He has given instructions that he wishes to be produced in person for this morning's mention," she said. 

However, police prosecutor Codi Dalley said the man posed a significant risk to watch house staff.  

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"We would require extra time and a specialised team to move him," she said. 

"He's being assessed as I understand it by mental health."

The prosecution sought additional time to prepare a brief of evidence, due to the "significant amount of forensic material" required.  

As a result, Magistrate Kevin Priestly set a date for 24 November for a brief of evidence. 

The defendant's hearing was adjourned to the 15 December. 

CRIME

Main points

  • 38-year-old Nicholas George Boak will remain in custody after being charged with murder 

  • He did not appear at his Cairns Magistrates Court hearing this morning due to 'extreme risk' in transporting him from the watch house 

  • The deceased has been identified as 51-year-old Michael Eaton
He presents as an extreme safety risk to watch house staff.
Codi Dalley
police prosecutor