Woman Claims Innocence as Bail is Revoked in Father's Murder Case
In a dramatic scene at Burwood Local Court, a 37-year-old woman sipped what would be her last barista-made coffee before being taken into custody, vehemently denying allegations that she murdered her own father. Catherine Baradi spoke to AAP outside the court on Wednesday, moments before her bail was revoked concerning the alleged assault and murder of her father, Charlie Baradi, which occurred over a year ago.
'They're charging me with false allegations, making hearsay,' she stated defiantly, having just purchased a coffee during the court's lunch break. Her claims of innocence were soon followed by the sound of handcuffs clicking shut as sheriffs escorted the tearful woman away.
The Allegations and the Upgraded Charge
The prosecution alleges that on October 26, 2024, at Mr Baradi's home in Padstow, southwest Sydney, Catherine Baradi kicked her father, knocking him to the ground before stomping on his head and neck. Initially facing assault charges, the case took a grave turn following a post-mortem report.
Charlie Baradi's life support was turned off in December 2024, leading prosecutors to upgrade the charges to murder. However, the defence paints a different picture of the events leading to the 65-year-old's death.
A Daughter's Defence and a Claim of Medical Negligence
Mounting a robust defence, Baradi and her legal team contested the charges on multiple fronts. She pointed out that her father had titanium plates inserted into his spine after a 2010 accident, suggesting this contributed to his vulnerability.
Baradi also claimed that, as an 'injured woman', she lacked the physical capacity to harm her father. Furthermore, she asserted she has evidence proving she was not at the location of the alleged murder at the time it was said to have occurred.
In a powerful statement, she shifted the blame, telling AAP, 'The medical system killed my dad, not I.'
During the bail hearing, her defence barrister, Nicholas Baltinos, urged the court not to imprison his client. He highlighted that Baradi had appeared before the court on seven separate occasions, fully compliant with her bail conditions, even when aware her charges could be escalated. He offered stringent conditions, including thrice-daily reporting and a curfew, to mitigate any perceived risks.
A Strong Prosecution Case Leads to Revoked Bail
Despite the defence's arguments, prosecutor Shelley Charles successfully applied for a detention order, citing the seriousness of the murder charge. The crown case statement revealed that Baradi had been her father's full-time carer at the time of the alleged assault, which also constituted a breach of an apprehended domestic violence order he had taken out for his protection.
Magistrate Jennifer Price, in revoking bail, cited a strong prosecution case. She noted that CCTV footage and witnesses purportedly saw the alleged attack. It is alleged that after the incident, Mr Baradi was seen struggling to walk back to his unit before calling triple zero.
The court heard that his daughter was overheard saying she did not know why he had called for help and later allegedly instructed witnesses to tell police he had simply fallen.
After being admitted to hospital with a spinal fracture, Mr Baradi suffered a subsequent fall at Liverpool Hospital on October 30, hitting his head. He was later transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital, where his condition failed to improve, culminating in the withdrawal of life support.
Magistrate Price acknowledged that causation would be a central issue in the case, with the defence arguing that the daughter's alleged actions did not directly result in Mr Baradi's death.
Catherine Baradi has not yet entered a plea to the charges of murder, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and contravening a restraining order. The case is scheduled to return to Burwood Local Court on January 28.
