A man allegedly murdered by a sex worker on his rural property sent the accused killer "loving and erotic" messages in the months before his disappearance.
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Kylie So, 51, faced a NSW Supreme Court trial earlier this year after pleading not guilty to murdering Robert Dickie, 71, who vanished from his property in Elong Elong, near Dubbo, in June 2016.
So, 51, who is transgender, travelled from New Zealand to Dubbo the same month at the invitation of Mr Dickie, who had previously engaged her as a sex worker.
Following the alleged killing, she most likely disposed of Mr Dickie's body by feeding it to pigs and pit bull terriers he kept on his property, crown prosecutors argued at the trial.
On Friday, Justice Mark Ierace, delivering judgment, said he concluded from the evidence that Mr Dickie was deceased, despite his body never being found.
The court heard that in the months before his disappearance the pair corresponded, with Mr Dickie sending So "loving and erotic" text messages including one that stated: "'I love you my sweet baby and I need you here with me'."
In another text message, Mr Dickie wrote: "I'm working on my farm, I miss you and I love you."
Before arriving in early June, So sent him pictures of her "revealing breasts" through gossamer clothing and said she had not been a prostitute for a long time, the court heard.
Earlier, the court was told Mr Dickie had a history of short relationships with vulnerable young women and sex workers, who he either paid in cash or helped access drugs.
Email records showed Mr Dickie corresponded with multiple women overseas, including in Thailand and Russia, inviting them to Australia and promising to marry and financially support them.
Justice Ierace said So arrived in Australia "with an expectation cultivated by Mr Dickie" that he was committing to a long-term relationship with her.
Prosecutors alleged Mr Dickie told So on the visit that she could not stay with him long-term, which enraged her and prompted the fatal assault.
Defence lawyers for So argued Mr Dickie left her at the property saying he was going to a party and did not return.
So was extradited from New Zealand and charged with Mr Dickie's murder in 2020.
One of Mr Dickie's sons, Damien, previously said he thought "an evil person" had fed his father to his dogs.
He said he formed the theory the day he met So while searching for his father at the 36ha property, when she called herself Mr Dickie's wife.
The judgment continues on Friday.
Australian Associated Press
