M’bah stabbing alleged perpetrator remains behind bars

A man charged with stabbing to death a Murwillumbah father who was trying to save his son earlier this month is alleged to have stolen a knife from Coles before a wild brawl erupted.

James Paul Alderton is charged with larceny after allegedly stealing a $30 wiltshire knife from Coles at Murwillumbah on June 6, before he went to nearby Knox Park.

It was in the park, about 12.30pm that police said a wild brawl erupted involving about 30 people.

Police and emergency services were called to the park on Brisbane Street and when they arrived they found three injured men suffering stab wounds.

Charles Henry Larter was trying to save his 18-year-old son Zackery, witnesses told police, when both men were allegedly stabbed multiple times by Mr Alderton.

Mr Larter, 46, was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital in a critical condition where he later died.

Zackery Larter was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.

Another man, 29-year-old Joshua Mead was taken to Murwillumbah Hospital suffering minor injuries.

Police arrested Mr Alderton at the scene and he was taken to Tweed Heads police station where he was questioned and charged with the murder of Mr Larter.

The 32-year-old was also charged with two counts of wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to Zackery’s and Joshua’s injuries, and larceny.

He was refused police bail and appeared at Tweed Heads Local Court on June 7 where he was again refused bail.

On Tuesday at Lismore Local Court Mr Alderton was represented by solicitor Tracey Randall, who requested orders on the service of the brief of evidence.

Magistrate Jeff Linden ordered the brief of evidence to be served on the defence by August 8 and adjourned Mr Alderton’s matters until August 22.

He is expected to appear via video-link on that occasion.