Australian man accused of beheading his mother appears in court and refuses to comply with proceedings

From the Newshound archive · first published 21 September 2026 · last updated 22 September 2026.

Phillip John Denton, 37, faced a video-link hearing on Monday after allegedly decapitating his mother Michele Denton, 70, at their remote New South Wales farm. A judge described the alleged murder as 'horrific' as Denton turned his back to the camera and declared he would 'no comply'. Police had found Michele's beheaded body inside a partly burning farmhouse on Ironbark Drive at Mole River, northeast of Tenterfield, at 9.35pm on Saturday night.

Phillip Denton had allegedly assaulted a 74-year-old neighbour and attempted to steal a vehicle before his arrest.

Michele Denton was a beloved alpaca breeder who had lived in the close-knit community of roughly 100 properties for 15 years.

Neighbours said the killing has 'rocked our little valley', describing Michele as a 'fit and healthy' woman who lived quietly.