Daughter Denies Murder Charges as Court Revokes Bail in Father’s Death Case

Catherine Baradi was sipping what would be her final cup of freedom as she proclaimed her innocence outside Burwood Local Court on Wednesday, moments before her bail was revoked in connection with her father’s alleged murder.

“They’re charging me with false allegations, making hearsay,” the 37-year-old told reporters after purchasing coffee during the court’s lunch break, unaware she would soon be led away in handcuffs.

Prosecutors allege that on October 26, 2024, Baradi attacked her 65-year-old father Charlie at his Padstow home in southwest Sydney. According to the crown case, she kicked him to the ground before stomping on his head and neck. The incident allegedly occurred while she was serving as his full-time caregiver and violated an existing apprehended domestic violence order he had taken out against her.

What began as assault charges were upgraded to murder after prosecutors received a post-mortem report following Mr. Baradi’s death in December 2024, when his life support was turned off at Prince of Wales Hospital.

Baradi vehemently disputes the allegations, claiming physical limitations would have made it impossible for her to inflict such injuries. “The medical system killed my dad, not I,” she stated, adding that her father had titanium plates inserted into his spine following a 2010 accident. She also maintains she has evidence proving she wasn’t at the location when the alleged attack occurred.

The prosecution’s case appears substantial, according to Magistrate Jennifer Price, who cited CCTV footage and witness statements in her decision to revoke bail. Witnesses reportedly observed the alleged attack, and Mr. Baradi was seen struggling to walk afterward before calling emergency services.

According to court documents, Catherine Baradi allegedly questioned why her father had called for help and later instructed witnesses to tell police he had simply fallen.

Defense barrister Nicholas Baltinos fought to keep his client out of custody, emphasizing her perfect attendance record across seven court appearances, even when she knew charges might be upgraded. He proposed stringent bail conditions, including thrice-daily reporting and a curfew, but these arguments ultimately failed to persuade the magistrate.

The case involves complex medical circumstances. After being admitted to hospital with a spinal fracture following the alleged attack, Mr. Baradi experienced another fall at Liverpool Hospital on October 30, striking his head. He was subsequently transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital, where his condition deteriorated until life support was withdrawn in December.

Magistrate Price acknowledged that causation would be a significant issue in the proceedings, with the defense team arguing that any actions by Mr. Baradi’s daughter did not directly cause his death.

The medical timeline and multiple injuries have created a complicated legal scenario that will likely be central to the case. The defense may point to Mr. Baradi’s secondary fall at Liverpool Hospital as a potentially intervening cause of death, while prosecutors will need to establish a clear link between the alleged attack and his ultimate demise.

Baradi has not yet entered pleas to the serious charges she faces, which include murder, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and contravening a restraining order.

As she was escorted from the courtroom by sheriffs, a tearful Baradi faced the reality of remaining behind bars until at least her next court appearance, scheduled for January 28 at Burwood Local Court.

The case highlights the complexities of establishing causation in homicide cases involving multiple medical events and vulnerable victims with pre-existing conditions.