Emma Bates: Family of the woman found dead in her home in rural Victoria break ... trends now
A woman who was found dead in her home in rural Victoria has been remembered for having the 'biggest heart', as her family reveal she 'hated' the man facing a slew of assault charges over her death.
Emma Bates, 49, was found dead inside her Cobram home, close to the NSW border in Victoria's far north, around 2.15pm on Tuesday, having suffered injuries to her upper-body and face.
John Torney, 39, who lived next door, was charged over Ms Bates death on Wednesday night with intentionally cause injury, recklessly cause injury, common law assault, aggravated assault of a female and unlawful assault.
Police said the pair were known to one another and it had been widely reported they were in a relationship.
But Ms Bates family told Daily Mail Australia that they had only known each other for weeks, not months, and that she 'hated' him.
Emma Bates (pictured), 49, was found dead inside her Cobram home, close to the NSW border in Victoria's far north, around 2.15pm on Tuesday, having suffered injuries to her upper-body and face
John Torney (pictured), 39, who lived two doors down, was charged over Ms Bates death on Wednesday night with intentionally cause injury, recklessly cause injury, common law assault, aggravated assault of a female and unlawful assault
'Emma was aware of what type of person John was. She hated him,' Ms Bates sister, Rachel, said.
'Somehow we don’t know how he managed to get in her life.'
Rachel paid tribute to her sister, saying she did not let her lifelong health challenges get in the way of helping others in the Cobram community.
'She was a type one diabetic, this caused many health complications, she was frequently hospitalised. She used her mobility scooter to travel around,' Rachel said.
'Despite all her health challenges, she had the biggest heart of anyone we know. She was
