A Hua Hin resident accused of killing his wife during a kayaking trip in Queensland in 2020 has been released on bail by the Supreme Court in Brisbane.
Graeme Davidson, 55, is charged with the murder of his wife Jacqueline Davidson, 54, who drowned at Lake Samsonvale in November 2020. Her death was initially treated as an accident, but a coronial investigation led to Davidson being charged earlier this year.
He also faces fraud and attempted fraud charges over two life insurance claims totalling more than AUD 1 million.
Davidson, a former army major, moved to Hua Hin in April 2021, five months after his wife’s death. He became a well-known member of the expat community and married his second wife, a Thai national, in a traditional ceremony in December 2022.
He was arrested during a return visit to Queensland earlier this year and has been in custody since. Last week, his application for bail was heard over three days before Justice Tom Sullivan granted it on Friday (8 Aug), news.com.au reported.
The court heard Davidson told police that on the day of his wife’s death, they had been kayaking for about three hours when she entered the water after becoming panicked when he stood up. He said he attempted to resuscitate her while transporting her to a boat ramp, where he sought help from passers-by.
Prosecutors allege Davidson deliberately caused his wife’s death, citing marital difficulties stemming from a past affair. His lawyers argued there was no direct evidence to support the murder charge and maintained the possibility of accidental drowning could not be excluded.
Justice Sullivan said he accepted that the prosecution’s case could not be described as strong but should be regarded as neutral at this stage.
Davidson’s bail conditions include a night-time curfew, daily reporting to police, surrendering his Australian and British passports, and travel restrictions within Queensland. A AUD 250,000 surety was provided by his daughters, who have supported him throughout the proceedings.