A man accused of murdering his girlfriend in a Penrith hotel has had his case adjourned after being unable to appear in court due to his own injuries.
53-year-old Darren John Berry was formally charged by police on Tuesday, November 12 for the murder of his girlfriend after her body was found in a room at the Pullman Hotel on Sunday.
Police allege that Berry killed his girlfriend, Shirley So, inside the room.
Berry was found in the same room as the deceased covered in blood and with cuts over his arms.
Berry, who fought under the name ‘Hacksaw’ during his kickboxing career, was not present in Penrith Local Court this morning where his Legal Aid lawyer asked for an adjournment to Monday, November 18.
Berry’s lawyer asked for the matter to be briefly adjourned so the accused can provide instructions to his representation before the next court appearance.
Berry is currently unable to provide instructions or appear in court as he remains in ICU, where he is no longer sedated but intubated, meaning a tube has been placed inside his throat to assist his breathing.
Berry’s lawyer said Berry would remain in the ICU at Westmead Hospital for some time but would be able to front court next week.
Berry initially fronted court via a bedside hearing on Tuesday and was formally refused bail.
Police investigations into the circumstances of the incident continue.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.