NSW police wrongly destroyed evidence in a manslaughter case after seizing it during an arrest.

Police in New South Wales mistakenly destroyed a mobile phone and watch belonging to John Torney, 40, accused of negligent manslaughter in the death of neighbor Emma Bates, 49, found dead on April 23, 2024. The items, seized during arrest, were discarded as trash by a Cobram officer and destroyed in landfill before forensic analysis. Bates died from diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe complication of poorly controlled diabetes, with a head injury likely sustained within 48 hours of death, though its role in her death remains unclear. Forensic experts found methamphetamine in her system. While police did not pursue homicide due to lack of direct evidence, prosecutors argue Torney assumed a duty of care, a claim challenged by defense counsel. The case will resume in November for final submissions.