October date set after another delay in Hitzeroth murder case
Accused Shaun Beaton’s pre-sentencing proceedings in connection with the murder of Gert Hitzeroth have been postponed again, delaying the final stages of the case.
The pre-sentencing proceedings in the murder case relating to the death of Gert Hitzeroth have been postponed once again in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
The matter was expected to resume on August 7, but was postponed to October 6. No further proceedings took place on Friday, and sentencing has been delayed once again.
Shaun Beaton was convicted in connection with Hitzeroth’s death, which happened in May 2018.
The state alleges that Beaton struck Hitzeroth with an aluminium baseball bat during a confrontation at his home before becoming involved in the victim’s drowning in a swimming pool.
Several delays before sentencing
The latest postponement follows several delays in the pre-sentencing proceedings.
The matter was originally due to continue on July 8, but it was postponed after the state prosecutor and the prosecutor standing in were both absent due to illness. One of the defence attorneys was also unable to attend because of illness.
The case was then postponed to July 29, but could not continue after the presiding magistrate fell ill. A second date, July 31, was also cancelled for the same reason. The matter was then set down for August 7, but has now been postponed.
Evidence already heard
Before the series of postponements, the court heard further pre-sentencing evidence from a social worker, whose report included a letter written by Beaton to the Hitzeroth family expressing remorse for the events of May 19, 2018.
The report also dealt with Beaton’s personal background, the likelihood of him reoffending and the conditions he has experienced while in custody.
The court also heard evidence from a probation officer, who presented a victim impact report on behalf of the deceased’s daughter, Chantelle Hitzeroth.
The report outlined the emotional, social and financial impact of Hitzeroth’s death on the family, while the defence challenged parts of the report during cross-examination.
The pre-sentencing proceedings are now expected to continue when the matter returns to court on October 6.
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