Stephen Fleming pleads 'not guilty' to charges over Annette Brennan alleged murder, case fast-tracked to trial

A man accused of killing a teacher and dumping her body in a wheelie bin has pleaded not guilty as he elected to fast-track his case to trial.

Stephen Fleming faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon via video link from prison.

He is charged with the murder of Annette Brennan, 67, an English teacher whom police allege was killed on July 1, 2024, before her body was placed in a wheelie bin outside a Coolaroo home.

Tip workers found Ms Brennan’s body while moving green waste at a facility in Epping on July 3.

Fleming’s barrister Michael McGrath confirmed on Wednesday that his client had elected to fast-track his case to the Supreme Court.

He said Fleming understood this meant he had waived his rights to a committal hearing, where evidence could be tested in the lower court.

Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz asked Fleming how he would plead to the single charge of murder.

“Not guilty, Your Honour,” Fleming responded.

“I’m now directing you to formally stand trial at the Melbourne Supreme Court,” Ms Mykytowycz said.

Mr McGrath said police had informed him some material or statements in the brief of evidence would no longer be relied on by prosecutors.

“There may be some matters to do with the records regarding GPS, to do with telecommunications or usage of mobile phones, that may no longer be relied on in their current form,” he said.

“We expect the prosecution or police will provide statements in relation to that, I don’t think it affects the decision to commit.”

Prosecutor Connor Rattray said he did not have instructions on removing any material from the brief, but such an application could be dealt with in the higher court.

Fleming was remanded in custody and will face the Supreme Court for a directions hearing on January 28.