The inquest into the death of Gold Coast Titans cheerleader Breeana Robinson is likely to be postponed until at least 2027 while authorities seek a specialist in domestic violence and human behaviour.
Ms Robinson, 21, died after falling from the 11th-storey balcony of the H2O apartment building in Southport on January 29, 2013. Her partner, Jayden Daniel Moorea, was in the flat and was the last person known to have seen her alive.
A 10-day inquest had been scheduled for October, but Queensland Deputy State Coroner Donald MacKenzie was told on Friday that key evidence was still outstanding.
Counsel assisting the coroner, Kim Bryson, said the court was awaiting a complete transcript from an earlier criminal case connected with the death. A review of DNA evidence, prompted by a commission of inquiry into forensic testing in Queensland, had also yet to be completed.
Mr MacKenzie suggested moving the hearing to the second half of 2027 to allow further funding to be secured for expert witnesses. He said several academics whose names had been put forward were primarily statisticians rather than specialists in domestic abuse.
“I really do think we need someone who is an expert in human behaviour, ideally a psychiatrist that specialises in domestic violence,” Mr MacKenzie said.
Matthew Hickey KC, representing Ms Robinson’s family, said the specialist evidence would be particularly important because the inquest was expected to examine 69 statements from former partners of Mr Moorea.
“There are 69 statements from former partners of Mr Moorea whose evidence Your Honour will need to understand properly and comprehensively and of course fairly to Mr Moorea,” he said.
Ms Robinson’s family disputes Mr Moorea’s account of her final moments. He has said he saw her in mid-air after she apparently climbed over the balcony railing, but relatives have raised concerns about possible third-party involvement.
The court has heard allegations that Mr Moorea was abusive towards Ms Robinson and later tried to access her bank account and superannuation. Police searches of the couple’s electronic devices allegedly found abusive and derogatory messages, as well as evidence said to point to coercive control, stalking and surveillance.
Mr Moorea, formerly known as Dan Shearin, was charged with Ms Robinson’s murder in 2019. Prosecutors dropped the case in 2023 before it reached trial, and he has denied any involvement in her death.
More than 40 witnesses, including relatives, friends, police officers and a biomechanical expert, are expected to give evidence when the inquest eventually proceeds.
Mr MacKenzie acknowledged that delaying the hearing beyond June 30 would mean a lengthy wait, but said securing the appropriate expert was necessary. A further pre-inquest conference is due to be held on February 5.
