3 February 2023

UPDATE: Man accused of murdering partner in Reid named, refused bail

| Claire Fenwicke
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ACT Magistrates Court

Adam James Britt did not apply for bail when he appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court today. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses domestic and family violence.

12:30 pm: A 37-year-old Reid man has been formally remanded in custody after being charged with murder.

Adam James Britt did not apply for bail in the ACT Magistrates Court today (3 February) after being charged over the death of his partner, Tiffany Marie Spence.

Police have alleged Ms Spence’s death was the result of a domestic violence incident after paramedics were called to the Reid home she shared with Mr Britt on 9 September 2022.

Mr Britt is next scheduled to appear in court for mention on 16 February.

Police offer speaking to the media

Det Supt Hall O’Meagher said the woman’s family were “devastated” by her death. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.

11 am: Police have confirmed a woman who died as the result of an alleged domestic violence incident suffered “extensive injuries” to a large amount of her body.

Her partner has been charged with one count of murder over the alleged incident and is set to face ACT Magistrates Court today (Friday, 3 February).

ACT Policing Criminal Investigations Detective Superintendent Hall O’Meagher said the investigation had been long and complex.

“The early investigation focused on establishing the cause of death, which we will allege was the result of blunt force trauma inflicted by the alleged offender,” he said.

“[Police allege] a weapon was used to inflict some of [her injuries].”

The alleged offender and victim had been living together in the Reid apartment and had been in a relationship for some time.

Det Supt O’Meagher confirmed the alleged offender called emergency services on the night of 9 September 2022.

No children were involved.

When asked why the public had not been notified before the man’s arrest, Det Supt O’Meagher said the man had been under surveillance and the safety of the community had been “paramount” throughout the investigation.

Det Supt O’Meagher said the woman’s family were “obviously devastated” by her death.

“They’re still grieving and our thoughts are with them today,” he said.

He urged anyone experiencing domestic violence or who suspected a loved one or friend was being abused to contact police and support services.

If you or someone you know has been affected by family violence, you can report it to police by attending a police station or calling 131 444.

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