Darren Wake: Man accused of stabbing midwife to death on Christmas Day drops four-word court bombshell

A man accused of stabbing to death his ex-wife has sensationally changed his plea almost two years after the killing, telling a judge: “I’m guilty, your honor.”

Darren Wake, 61, appeared in the Supreme Court of Tasmania on Monday and overturned his plea of ​​not guilty to the murder of 52-year-old midwife Rachel Wake on Christmas Day 2021.

Wake attacked his ex-partner with a knife in front of her two teenage children outside her home on Binalong Road in Mornington, near Hobart.

He initially pleaded not guilty in October 2022 and intended to take the case to trial.

However, Wake backed down after more than a year of delays and adjournments in the Hobart Magistrates’ Court, resulting in the case being transferred to the Supreme Court.

A man accused of stabbing his ex-wife Rachel Wake (pictured) to death in front of her two teenage sons on Christmas Day 2021 has overturned his guilty plea.

Director of Public Prosecutions Daryl Coates told the court the prosecution would still have to flesh out the disputed facts. Mercury reported.

Mr Coates said if the facts were not agreed the case would have to return to court early next year.

He also noted that the Crown would also need time to prepare a series of victim impact statements that would be read in court.

Declining to speak to the media outside court after the guilty plea, Ms Wake’s family and friends said they were glad the case was finally coming to a conclusion.

Wake will remain in custody until his next court appearance on Feb. 9 for a trial before returning for a full-day hearing on Feb. 15.

Appearing in the Tasmanian Supreme Court on Monday afternoon, Darren Wake (pictured), 61, told Judge Helen Wood: “I’m guilty, your honour.”

The death of Ms Wake (pictured) has sparked an outpouring of public grief, with many remembering the midwife for helping them during labour.

There was a wave of public grief soon after Ms Wake’s death, with many women remembering the midwife for helping them during childbirth.

Her funeral took place on January 7 last year and the funeral notice said: “Family and friends are invited to attend.”

Everyone attending the funeral was encouraged to wear bright colors instead of the standard black because “Rachel was so bright.”

“In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hobart Women’s Shelter, which would be gratefully accepted at the service,” the funeral announcement said.