The trial relating to the murder at King Creek concluded in Sydney’s King Creek Supreme Court on June 6.

The fact that Slater had stabbed Smith to death was not defended.

Smith, 45, was well-liked in the area and his death was a major shock to the community.

Smith had given Slater a room in his home as Slater had no where else to live. Despite many other kindnesses, Slater killed Rod Smith on the 23rd March 2007.

In police facts prior to the court case, police and ambulance officers arrived at the scene at 9.30am where they found the body of Mr Smith, who had been stabbed with a large knife and had died as a result of his injuries.

Police then arrested fellow King’s Creek resident, Shaun Troy Slater at the scene of the murder.

Mr Smith was allegedly stabbed in his home by Mr Slater between 8am and 9.30am.

As a member of Port Macquarie’s Honour Church (the former Christian Life Centre), the senior pastor Mark Van Der Veen described Mr Smith as ‘a great guy’.

“It really is such a tragedy,” he said at the time.

Mr Smith’s father, Sid told the Gazette Rod was a single dad raising his 14 year old son Alex prior to his death.

“Rod’s younger brother, Trev, honoured a ‘brotherly pact’ and closed his business on the Gold Coast and brought his wife, Heidi and baby to Wauchope to raise Alex following Rod’s death,” Mr Smith senior said.

“The bond of love between Alex – now 16 years old - and Trev is now even stronger and Alex is doing extremely well in his school certificate year.

“Alex is now driving and has his marine licence and enjoys water skiing, paddock bashing and motor bikes with Trev.

“All these activities were introduced to him by his loving dad.”

Slater will be detained for treatment for schizophrenia in a Sydney gaol until a tribunal considers him fit to be released into the community at a subsequent date.

His case will be reviewed for release every six months.