Brit backpackers stabbed in Australia: Man charged with second murder

Updated






A Frenchman accused ofstabbing two British backpackers to death at an Australian hostel has been charged with a second count of murder.

Smail Ayad (pictured above) allegedly murdered Mia Ayliffe-Chung , 21, and Tom Jackson, 30, during a knife attack in a hostel in Queensland.

See also: Backpacker's family hail bravery of Tom Jackson who died trying to save Mia Ayliffe-Chung

See also: Where is the most dangerous destination for backpackers

The 29-year-old had already been charged with killing Miss Ayliffe-Chung (pictured below) in the attack
on August 23.

He was originally charged with the attempted murder of Mr Jackson, but following his death a week after the incident, the charge was upgraded on Friday.



Mr Jackson (pictured above) was nominated for a posthumous bravery award for trying to protect Miss Ayliffe-Chung of Wirksworth, Derbyshire, during the attack in Shelley's Backpackers.

Mr Jackson, from Congleton, Cheshire, was injured while shielding her and died seven days later in Townsville Hospital.

Ayad did not appear at the brief hearing at Townsville Magistrates' Court where it was decided the case would be transferred to a mental health court.

He is also charged with 12 counts of assaulting police officers and one of serious animal cruelty.

Ayad was remanded in custody to appear at the mental health court in Townsville on February 15, where it will be decided whether the case falls within its jurisdiction.


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