A NOWRA man accused of murdering an army veteran at Sanctuary Point sobbed through his entire court appearance as his solicitor desperately tried to get him released on bail.
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Dean Vimpani, 41, is facing a single count of murder, with police alleging he was responsible for the death of David McArthur at Sanctuary Point on July 25.
Mr McArthur was found by police in a cabin at the Palm Beach Caravan Park on Ethel Street around 8pm on July 25, with a single stab wound to the chest.
Despite attempts at CPR, the 49-year-old could not be revived and died at the scene.
Vimpani was arrested by Homicide Squad and South Coast Police detectives at a Nowra home early Friday morning.
During the search of the property, detectives seized a vehicle and clothing which will undergo further forensic examination.
Appearing in Nowra Local Court, via audio visual link on Friday afternoon, Vimpani was visibly upset during the proceedings, sobbing continuously as he sat wrapped in a grey blanket.
He repeatedly shook his head and held his face in his hands as his solicitor Brett Ford appealed for bail.
Mr Ford described the case against his client as "circumstantial".
He said Vimpani was the carer for his ill mother, who suffered from emphysema and was due to be released from hospital after contracting COVID. He had also cared for an eight-year-old child for the last four years.
"With the backlog of court cases, particularly due to COVID, Mr Vimpari could remain in custody for an extended period of time," he said.
Mr Ford also told the court Vimpani had broken his back two years ago, was in constant pain, having to undergo pain relieving injections on a monthly basis and suffered post-traumatic stress from "childhood issues" for which he took medication and saw a psychologist.
The court heard Vimpani could reside close to Nowra Police Station, report daily or more often as required, and was willing to forfeit a significant amount of money as surety.
"He would virtually accept house arrest," Mr Ford said.
However, police prosecutor Sergeant Anna Comer rejected those submissions, saying the case against Vimpani was "strong".
However, details of what police allege happened on that evening were not revealed in open court.
In refusing bail, Magistrate Lisa Viney said the charge of murder was the "most serious offnce in the crime calendar, carrying 25 years jail."
Vimpani was remanded in custody to reappear in court on December 21.
Vimpani is the second person arrested over Mr McArthur's death.
Raymond Allen, 39, was arrested at Silverwater jail early Wednesday morning and made a brief appearance via video link in Nowra court that afternoon.
He did not apply for bail which was formally refused and will reappear in court on December 15.