Overview

• The June hearing was postponed after prosecutors said two key witnesses were unavailable to testify.
• Police allege Torney’s brother intentionally set the house ablaze during a welfare check, destroying all possessions and hospitalising their mother.
• Torney, held in custody since April 2024, faces charges including negligent manslaughter and multiple assault counts over Emma Bates’ death.
• Bates, 49, was found in her Cobram home on April 23, 2024, with bruising and wounds consistent with a violent assault.
• A four-day committal hearing is now set for October at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, with Torney expected to appear via video link.