16-05-2025
Mum charged with murder of three kids following horror house fire wakes from comatose state
NOTE FOR LAWYERS: Comatose state not mentioned before magistrate at court - was overheard from pros/lawyers in discussions, pls advise risk of running lines
A woman charged with the murder of her three children following a horrific house fire has woken from her comatose state in hospital.
Ellouisa Patricia Brighton was not brought before Brisbane Arrests Court on Friday when her matter was briefly mentioned days after police charged her.
It follows emergency services being called to a home on Merritt St in Harristown - in Toowoomba - about 12.30am on May 7.
A boy, 9, died in the blaze while two girls, aged seven and four, later died in Queensland Childrens Hospital.
A 34-year-old man, an 18-year-old man and one other person managed to escape the fire.
The 34-year-old man underwent surgery for serious injuries to his arm, while two others were treated for minor injuries.
Brighton, 36, was also critically injured in the fire and has been under police guard in hospital.
In addition to charges of murder, Brighton is facing three charges of attempted murder and one charge of arson.
Brighton's case was first mentioned in Brisbane on Tuesday, but it was adjourned due to her being in a 'comatose' state.
It is understood she has since woken from her comatose state while recovering in hospital.
During Friday's mention, Brighton's lawyer Kara Lee Murphy asked for a full brief of evidence to be delivered.
The court was told Brisbane counsel had been engaged for the matter but it would likely be sent back to Toowoomba.
Magistrate Peter Saggers ordered the brief of evidence to be delivered by July 21.
Brighton's matter will be mentioned again on August 19.
