Waverley man charged following police hunt

Sharon Webb

WAVERLEY RESIDENT Robert Harold Gerard has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Reedy Marsh man Mike Hawkes and will appear in the Launceston Supreme Court on April 26.

He has also pleaded not guilty to wounding Mrs Judy Hawkes.

Police charged Mr Gerard, 47, after a 24-hour search for him in bushland between Reedy Marsh and Parkham on January 13 and 14.

They said he was taken safely into custody near Parkham around 3.55pm on January 14 and that Mr Gerard was armed with a large knife at the time.

Significant police resources, including specialist and uniform personnel, the Westpac rescue helicopter and drones were used in the search.

Acting Commander Stuart Wilkinson thanked the Reedy Marsh and surrounding area communities for their patience and understanding during the ongoing search.

‘This has been a challenging situation and I’d like to thank the community for their support’, he said.

‘I’d also like to thank the police who attended and brought about a safe resolution to the matter.

‘Our sincere condolences go to the family of the man who died in the most tragic circumstances.’

Three people initially taken into custody were released without charge.

Mike Hawkes, who lived in Larcombes Rd, was 70 years old and a retired parliamentary driver.

His wife Judy, who works at the Bendigo Bank in Deloraine, was injured and spent time in the Launceston General Hospital.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.