A man accused of stabbing his ex-wife to death has sensationally changed his plea nearly two years after the murder, telling the judge: “I am guilty, Your Honor.”
Darren Wake, 61, faced the Tasmania Supreme Court on Monday and recanted his not guilty plea to the murder of midwife Rachel Wake, 52, on Christmas Day 2021.
Wake attacked his former partner with a knife in front of her two teenage children outside her home on Binalong Road in Mornington, near Hobart.
He initially pleaded not guilty in October 2022 and planned to take the case to trial.
However, Wake returned after more than a year of delays and adjournments at the Hobart Magistrates Court, leading to the case being assigned to the High Court.
A man accused of stabbing his ex-wife, Rachel Wake (pictured), to death in front of her two teenage sons on Christmas Day 2021, has reversed his plea.
Director of Public Prosecutions Daryl Coates, SC, told the court the prosecution would still have to work out disputed facts. The Mercury reported.
Mr Coates said unless there is agreement on the facts, the case will have to go to court early next year.
He also noted that the Crown will also need time to prepare a number of victim impact statements to be read in court.
Although they declined to speak to the media outside court after the plea, Ms Wake's family and friends said they were glad the case was finally coming to an end.
Wake will remain in custody until his next court appearance on February 9 for a court citation, before returning again on February 15 for a full-day hearing.
Speaking to the Supreme Court of Tasmania on Monday afternoon, 61-year-old Darren Wake (pictured) told Judge Helen Wood: 'I am guilty, your honor'
The death of Mrs Wake (pictured) caused an outpouring of public grief, with many remembering the midwife who helped them during the birth
Shortly after Mrs Wake's death, there was an outpouring of public grief, with many women remembering the midwife for helping them during childbirth.
Her funeral took place on January 7 last year, with the funeral announcement stating 'family and friends are cordially invited to attend'.
Everyone attending the funeral was urged to wear bright colors instead of standard black because “Rachel was so full of color.”
“In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hobart Women's Shelter, which will be gratefully received at the service,” the funeral announcement reads.