The murder trial of Brisbane man Mark Sheridan Waden has entered a critical phase in the Brisbane Supreme Court, as the jury hears detailed allegations regarding the 2018 disappearance of his former partner, Priscilla Brooten. Mr. Waden, who has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder, maintains that he is not responsible for the disappearance of the former American beauty queen. Ms. Brooten vanished in July 2018 from the Bracken Ridge residence she shared with the accused. Despite extensive investigations, her body has never been located, and the case remains one of Queensland’s most enduring missing person inquiries. During the proceedings, the Crown presented evidence suggesting that in the weeks following Ms. Brooten’s disappearance, Mr. Waden allegedly portrayed her as a 'liar' who used relationships for financial support. The prosecution claims these statements were part of a calculated effort to deflect attention from the truth. According to testimony heard in court, Mr. Waden told police and others that Ms. Brooten had left him for another person. He allegedly accused her of using different surnames and relying on various relationships to remain financially supported while living in Australia. The court was informed that Ms. Brooten had been residing in the country unlawfully after her visa expired in 2009. Prosecutors further allege that Mr. Waden provided inconsistent accounts to friends and associates, at one point suggesting that immigration authorities may have taken her. The Crown argues that these shifting narratives were designed to mislead investigators and those concerned for Ms. Brooten’s welfare. The prosecution’s case also focuses on the state of the couple's relationship leading up to the disappearance. It is alleged that tensions had escalated after Ms. Brooten discovered messages between Mr. Waden and another woman, leading to a significant argument. The Crown contends that the following day, Mr. Waden arranged for urgent excavation work to be carried out at their Bracken Ridge property, specifically requesting a trench be dug beside the driveway. These activities have since become a focal point of the homicide investigation. In response, the defence has strongly contested the prosecution’s narrative. Defence barrister James Godbolt emphasized to the jury that there is no direct forensic evidence linking Mr. Waden to Ms. Brooten’s death. Mr. Godbolt argued that while the accused may have been dishonest regarding aspects of the relationship and the events surrounding the disappearance, such dishonesty does not equate to criminal guilt. The defence maintains that the case is entirely circumstantial and has suggested the possibility that Ms. Brooten could still be alive. Further evidence presented to the court included claims that some of Ms. Brooten’s personal belongings were given to a new partner Mr. Waden began seeing shortly after she went missing. Investigators testified that they have found no verified evidence of Ms. Brooten being seen, contacting friends, or accessing services since July 2018. The trial is expected to continue throughout the week as both the prosecution and the defence present further evidence. Further details may be updated as more information becomes available.
The murder trial of Brisbane man Mark Sheridan Waden has heard allegations that he described his missing former partner, Priscilla Brooten, as a “liar” who used relationships for financial support following her disappearance in 2018. The case is being heard in the Brisbane Supreme Court, where Waden has pleaded not guilty to murder and maintains that he was not responsible for Brooten’s disappearance. Former American beauty queen Priscilla Brooten vanished in July 2018 from the Bracken Ridge home she shared with Waden. Her body has never been located, and prosecutors allege she was killed during a deteriorating relationship before efforts were made to conceal the crime. The Crown’s case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence, including Waden’s alleged actions and statements in the weeks following her disappearance. During proceedings, the jury heard evidence relating to conversations between Waden and police after concerns were raised about Brooten’s welfare. According to testimony presented in court, Waden claimed that Brooten had left him for another person and that he had not heard from her since. He allegedly portrayed her as deceptive and accused her of using different surnames and relying on relationships to remain financially supported while living in Australia. The court was told that Brooten had been living in Australia unlawfully after her visa expired in 2009. Prosecutors allege Waden later suggested to friends and others that immigration authorities may have taken her, while also providing differing explanations for her disappearance. The Crown argues these accounts were part of a broader effort to mislead investigators and people close to Brooten. Prosecutors have also alleged that tensions developed after Brooten discovered messages between Waden and another woman. The court heard claims that a significant argument occurred shortly before she disappeared. According to the Crown, Waden then sought urgent excavation work at his Bracken Ridge property the following day, allegedly arranging for a trench to be dug beside the driveway. Investigators later examined those activities as part of the homicide investigation. The defence has strongly rejected the prosecution’s allegations, arguing there is no direct forensic evidence linking Waden to Brooten’s death. Defence barrister James Godbolt told the jury that while Waden may have lied about aspects of the relationship and events surrounding Brooten’s disappearance, dishonesty alone does not establish guilt. The defence maintains that the evidence remains circumstantial and has suggested Brooten could still be alive. The trial has also heard allegations that some of Brooten’s belongings were later given to a new partner Waden began seeing around the time of her disappearance. Investigators told the court they found no verified evidence that Brooten had been seen, contacted friends, or accessed services after July 2018. The Supreme Court trial is expected to continue throughout the week as prosecutors, defence lawyers and witnesses present further evidence concerning the disappearance of Priscilla Brooten, a case that has remained one of Queensland’s most enduring missing person investigations.
