Man charged with second count of murder over backpacker deaths
THE man accused of stabbing to death two British backpackers at an Australian hostel has been charged with a second count of murder.
Smail Ayad allegedly murdered Mia Ayliffe-Chung and Tom Jackson
Smail Ayad allegedly murdered Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, and Tom Jackson, 30, during a knife attack in a hostel in Queensland.
Ayad, a 29-year-old Frenchman, had already been charged with killing Miss Ayliffe-Chung in the attack on August 23.
Mr Jackson (centre), from Congleton, Cheshire, was injured while shielding Mia and died a week later
Mr Jackson was nominated for a posthumous bravery award for trying to protect Miss Ayliffe-Chung
He was originally charged with attempting to murder Mr Jackson, but following his death a week after the incident, the charge was upgraded on Friday.
Miss Chung was killed during a knife attack in a hostel in Queensland
Mr Jackson was nominated for a posthumous bravery award for trying to protect Miss Ayliffe-Chung of Wirksworth, Derbyshire, during the attack in Shelley's Backpackers.
Mr Jackson, from Congleton, Cheshire, was injured while shielding her and died seven days later in Townsville Hospital.
Mr Watson was nominated for a posthumous bravery award for trying to protect Miss Ayliffe-Chung
Ayad did not appear at the brief hearing at Townsville Magistrates' Court where it was decided the case would be transferred to a mental health court.
He is also charged with 12 counts of assaulting police officers and one of serious animal cruelty.
Ayad was remanded in custody to appear at the mental health court in Townsville on February 15, 2017 where it will be decided whether the case falls within its jurisdiction.