Marat Ganiev, 55, tried to argue that prosecutors were being unfair by charging him with attempting to pervert the course of justice after they dropped a murder charge and then a manslaughter charge related to the death of 19-year-old Isla Bell. Justice James Elliott was not amused, ruling that the prosecution is entitled to change its mind - even if it happens a week before trial.

Bell's remains were found in a bag at a Dandenong rubbish tip on 20 November 2024, about six weeks after police believe she died. Ganiev was originally charged with murder, accused of killing her at his St Kilda property, storing her body in a fridge, and then having a second man wrap it in plastic and tape, drive it around Melbourne for days, and dump it. But prosecutors later downgraded the charge to manslaughter, then withdrew it entirely in May, citing insufficient evidence.

Now Ganiev faces a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice. His barrister argued that filing a new indictment so close to trial was an abuse of process, but Elliott found the prosecutors were within their rights. “Nothing has transpired that will stop Mr Ganiev from having a fair trial,” the judge said, adding that a new prosecutor simply had a different view of the evidence.

Ganiev, watching via video link, showed about as much emotion as a man who's been through a legal meat grinder. He'll return to court in August for a directions hearing. Bell's mother, Justine Spokes, told reporters outside court, “It’s just so gruelling, and my heart aches,” which is about as understated as you can get when your daughter's killer keeps getting new charges.

Meanwhile, Ganiev's co-accused, Eyal Yaffe, 59, originally charged with assisting an offender and attempting to pervert the course of justice, had those charges dropped and walked free on 12 May. Bell's family and supporters have been rallying for justice reform, because apparently the system needed a few more reminders that it's not working great.