A Lara man has fronted court charged with murder over the alleged fatal stabbing of Mathew Baum early on Monday morning.
Michael Ackerley, 49, faced Geelong Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday accused of murdering Mr Baum between Sunday, February 9 and Monday, February 10.
Emergency services rushed to Patullos Rd, Lara, just past midnight on Monday after receiving a callout and located Mr Baum with stab wounds.
Paramedics tried to save the 41-year-old Lara man but he died at the scene.
Officers arrested Mr Ackerley at the scene and Homicide Squad detectives charged him with murder on Monday evening.
Officers arrested another man, a 45-year-old from Lara, but had since released him from custody, a police spokesperson said.
“Detectives are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident,” the spokesperson said.
During the filing hearing Mr Ackerley’s lawyer requested access to a doctor to treat cuts to her client’s face and back and his potential alcohol withdrawal.
A magistrate remanded Mr Ackerley in custody to face a committal mention on July 10.
Meanwhile, tributes flowed on social media for Mr Baum, who played for North Geelong Cricket Club before his death.
The club was “deeply saddened” by the “sudden passing” of Mr Baum, it said in a statement online.
“‘Baumy’ was a much-loved member of our playing group, his passion and spirit for both the game and the club were plain for all to see,” the statement read.
“His second stint at the club showed how hard he had worked to turn his life around.”
The club extended its “sincere condolences” to Mr Baum’s family and friends “at this very difficult time”.
“As a sign of respect, all of our playing group will be wearing black arm bands on Saturday,” the statement read.
Friends described Mr Baum as a “great bloke with a huge personality” and a lover of tenpin bowling and cricket.
