The people of Nyngan are closely observing the case currently taking place in the Dubbo Supreme Court, of murdered Nyngan man 58-year-old Joel Carter, who was bludgeoned to death in January 2023 at his property near Miandetta, 25kms from Nyngan.

The case which shook the town, has heard a 'not guilty' plea from 40-year-old Clinton Wrigley, who is accused of murdering Mr Carter, stealing his Ute, and setting it on fire, as well as theft of his tools.

Justice Mark Ierace has heard how the farmhand was said to have told several people he killed Mr Carter by hitting him over the head with a mallet.

The incident which occurred between January 22 and 23 of January 2023, saw the suspect arrested in March 2023.

Joel Carter of Nyngan - Image supplied.

Mr Carter was found by his son, approximately two days after his death, after calls to his father remained unanswered.

The jury heard a postmortem examination showed Mr Carter had died from head trauma, resulting in multiple skull fractures and lacerations.

The jury was told Mr Wrigley worked as a farmhand and truck driver on a neighbouring property at the time of Mr Carter’s death.

Clinton Wrigley was arrested in March 2023 - Image supplied by NSW Police.

Crown prosecutor Michelle Swift told the jury the murder weapon used to kill Mr Carter was unknown, but that Mr Wrigley should be found guilty because he told people he had done it, and the jury would soon hear that from witnesses.

On the night of January 22 Wrigley told his boss that he was going out to look for a stolen quad bike, and the following morning he called his boss to pick him up in a location which was later revealed as close to where the burnt-out utility was discovered.

Wrigley has denied all charges, instead pointing his finger at his boss who was in a farm-share agreement with Mr Carter and known to have had arguments with one resulting in a physical altercation.

Barrister Nicholas Broadbent SC told the Court Mr Wrigley had not been involved in the murder, theft or arson and that he did not kill Joel Carter, saying "Things aren't always as they seem."

The case continues for the next five weeks.