A man accused of murdering his mother in a sickening attack at her home will rely on an insanity defence over her death.
Harley James Jeffries, 35, pleaded not guilty to murdering Yvette Verney, 61, “on the basis of an unsound mind” in the Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Police allege Mr Jeffries violently attacked his mother at her Byford home, in Perth’s southeast, in June 2024.
Ms Verney tried to seek help from neighbours but died on the driveway of a nearby home.
WA's biggest courts and crime stories to your inbox
Sign-up to our weekly newsletter for free
Sign up
On Wednesday, Mr Jeffries’ matter was progressed to the WA Supreme Court where he will face trial after pleading not guilty based on an unsound mind to several offences two years after his mother’s death.
He will rely on an insanity defence to fight charges of murder, being armed in a way to cause fear, acts or omissions causing bodily harm or danger and obstructing police officers.
The accused will make his first appearance in the WA Supreme Court on July 20.
Originally published as Alleged mum killer Harley James Jeffries, 35, relies on insanity defence over mum’s death
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails