Charges laid over Woonona death cold case

Police have arrested a 52-year-old man in connection with a Woonona woman’s death in 2011

Woonona woman, Valmai Jane Birch, whose body was found in a wheelie bin in 2011

HOMICIDE Squad detectives have charged a man with manslaughter over the death of woman at Woonona more than eight years ago.

Emergency services were called to Woods Avenue, Woonona, about 10pm on Monday 22 March 2011, after residents reported smelling a foul odour coming from the unit.

Police found the body of 34-year-old Valmai Jane Birch in a wheelie bin in the property’s bathroom.

A post-mortem examination was inconclusive; however, the death was deemed suspicious.

Detectives from the Homicide Squad and Wollongong Police District established Strike Force Gareth to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

During the investigation, Strike Force Gareth detectives requested the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), review their brief of evidence.

Following advice provided to police by the ODPP, and following further inquiries, strike force detectives, assisted by Southern Region Operations Support Group, arrested a 52-year-old man at a home at Kiama about 7.30am today (Tuesday). He was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station and charged with manslaughter.

Police will allege in court that the man was known to Ms Birch and there was a history of domestic violence between the pair.

The man was refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court later today (Tuesday).