A 72-year-old man charged with murder in a domestic violence offence has made a brief court appearance in Far North Queensland for the first time.
Anthony Coulter Wright was arrested at the scene of a car crash in the Byerstown Range, near Cooktown, on Sunday afternoon.
He was arrested the day after the body of a 65-year-old woman with wounds to her abdomen was found in a home on Gordon Street, Atherton.
Mr Wright's legal representative, Tiffany Veschetti, in the Mareeba Magistrates Court today sought a committal date "with a brief to be disclosed, but there's no application at this time".
Acting Magistrate Raimund Heggie said briefs would need to be provided to the defence by June 26.
"There can be no application made for a bail. I don't have jurisdiction to consider a bail for this charge," Magistrate Heggie said.
"I understand there'll be an application for legal assistance made by you so I expect and anticipate on the next appearance there will be a solicitor appearing for you."
Mr Wright, wearing black-rimmed glasses, appeared via video link.
Mr Wright only responded with "correct" when asked by Magistrate Heggie to confirm his name, and said "thank you" when excused from the court and remanded in custody.
The hearing lasted less than 90 seconds.
Mr Wright has been excused from appearing at his committal hearing on July 11.
