John Patrick O’Kane accused of killing his 4-month-old son then burying the body

A 40-year-old Australian father who was accused of killing his four-month-old son and burying him in a shallow grave pleaded guilty today to manslaughter, a court heard today.

John Patrick O’Kane appeared in the Stirling Gardens Magistrates court earlier today charged with one count of murder. His lawyer, Terry Dobson told the court that his client would be writing to the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions to plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Last January, O’Kane, who had previously pleaded not guilty, led police to the grave of his son, Zach, in Wellington National Park.

The case has been adjourned until October 22.