John Torney, 40, faces negligent manslaughter charges over the 2024 death of his partner Emma Bates, 49, in Cobram, Australia.

John Torney, 40, appeared via video link at Melbourne Magistrates Court for a committal hearing in connection with the April 23, 2024, death of Emma Bates, 49, found dead at her Cobram home. Torney faces charges of negligent manslaughter and other offences, which he denies. His mother testified he admitted to punching Bates during an argument on April 22, saying she wasn’t waking up but was still breathing, and claimed she wasn’t dead. She said he promised to call an ambulance if she didn’t wake up and expressed concern about her diabetes. Prosecutors argue Torney, as her de facto partner, assumed responsibility for her care, especially given her medical condition, and failed to seek help, constituting gross negligence. The defense questioned when or how that duty arose. The hearing, previously delayed due to a fire at a family home, continues.