Inmate Admits Prison Killing in Open Court

A Queensland prisoner has openly admitted in court to killing a fellow inmate at the Maryborough Correctional Centre, telling a magistrate he acted because the victim was a convicted child sex offender.

Isaac James Martin, 31, appeared via video link in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday, charged alongside fellow inmate Bodhi Johnson, 29, with the murder of Shannon Daniel Norgate. The alleged killing occurred inside Maryborough Correctional Centre late last year.

When asked whether he had legal representation, Martin replied that he had not sought a lawyer. Magistrate Aaron Simpson warned him of the seriousness of the charge, noting that a murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence.

Martin responded bluntly, telling the court he was not denying responsibility for the death and claimed he killed Norgate because he was a child molester. The magistrate cautioned that causing a death does not automatically constitute murder and strongly advised Martin to obtain legal advice, saying a lawyer could assist him in achieving the best possible outcome.

Norgate, 28, was found unresponsive inside the prison on November 26 after what police allege was an altercation with other inmates. He was taken to Hervey Bay Hospital but died from his injuries on December 1.

Johnson also appeared via video link and told the court he had previously contacted Legal Aid about representation. Both matters were adjourned to March 9 for a committal hearing in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

Court documents revealed Norgate had been sentenced in March 2020 in the Gladstone District Court for multiple child sexual abuse offences. Those convictions included indecent treatment of children under 12, attempted indecent treatment, and taking a child for an immoral purpose. He also had prior convictions for weapons offences, trespass, public nuisance, and breaching bail.