During the second day of a committal hearing in the Bendigo Magistrates Court yesterday, Veronica Hudson, 41, pleaded not guilty to murdering her partner, a 55-year-old man.

Magistrate Bruce Cottrill stood the matter down yesterday afternoon and said he would consider Hudson’s application for bail overnight. Defence lawyer Jane Dixon SC said it was most unlikely Hudson would be committed for murder.

“At best it would be defensive homicide or manslaughter,” she said.

Prosecuting, Michelle Williams SC opposed bail on the grounds than Hudson had no exceptional circumstances and posed an unacceptable risk.

Police informant Detective Senior Constable Tony Hupfeld said Hudson had led a dysfunctional, itinerant lifestyle since a young age. The court was told she had a problem with alcohol, was a magnet for abusive relationships, was at risk of committing offences and was a danger to herself.

“The applicant is in need of mental care,” Detective Senior Constable Hupfeld said.

“She needs care, she needs treatment... which I think could be administered more efficiently in custody.”

Hudson is accused of stabbing her partner at Bendigo’s Prince of Wales Showgrounds.

The man’s body was found on the afternoon of December 26 at a temporary campsite set up at the showgrounds.

Hudson sat in the dock yesterday wearing a grey-striped long-sleeve top, with her blonde hair, coloured blue in patches, in pigtails.

She was supported in court by her 19-year-old son.

Dr Joanne Parkin, a forensic physician from Melbourne, gave evidence via video link before police informant Detective Senior Constable Tony Hupfeld took to the stand.

The court was told Hudson and the victim had a volatile relationship and he had been abusing her both physically and sexually on a daily basis.

Their relationship began in 2005 and the victim was jailed for five years in March 2005 after seriously assaulting Hudson.

Defence lawyer Jane Dixon SC said Hudson moved from Alice Springs to Victoria last year to be closer to her son.

“She planned to come by herself, but the deceased insisted on coming.”

The court was told Hudson had a history of suicide attempts and had said she had no reason to live when she found out her partner had died.

The hearing continues today.

The Bendigo Advertiser incorrectly stated in yesterday’s edition that Hudson pleaded guilty on Wednesday.