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Gold Coast Man Accused of Using Whale Charity for Assisted Deaths Remanded in Custody

Brett Taylor remains behind bars until an October court date pending a police probe into an alleged charity front used to source pentobarbital.

Overview

  • Taylor did not apply for bail at Southport Magistrates Court, and his case was adjourned to October 7 with a legal conference set for September 25.
  • He is charged with aiding the suicide of David Llewellyn Bedford and of a woman who was an undercover police operative, as well as trafficking and possessing pentobarbital and receiving money from trafficking.
  • Police allege the 2024 whale-euthanasia charity Cetacean Compassion Australia was used to obtain veterinary euthanasia drugs, and officers say multiple bottles were seized in a raid.
  • Co-accused Elaine Arch-Rowe, 81, was granted bail with reporting and non-contact conditions after prosecutors alleged she promoted access to fatal drugs at community and aged-care events.
  • Investigators are examining links to about 20 other deaths dating back to 2021, and Taylor’s 80-year-old father faces drug charges with a court appearance due next week.