Trent Thorburn has appeared in court over the death of foster sister Tiahleigh Palmer.

Thorburn, 19, has been denied bail on charges of incest, perjury and perverting the course of justice after an almost hour-long appearance in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court this afternoon.

His father, Rick Thorburn, remains in an induced coma in the Princess Alexandra Hospital after he collapsed when he was charged with murder yesterday amid allegations he killed the schoolgirl to protect his son from prosecution.

Police prosecutor Sgt Elen French told the court a series of Facebook messages and statements from one of Tiahleigh’s friends showed Thornburn had sex with the 12-year-old in the weeks before she was found dead on the banks of the Pimpama River in November.

“A statement has... been obtained by the cousin of the defendant. She said to the police that the defendant disclosed to her on the 28th of October 2015 he had sex with the victim,” Sgt French said.

“She said he made the disclosure on Facebook messenger and that she had saved a copy of the conversation, which was subsequently provided to police.

“During that conversation, he says he had sex with the victim on the prior Monday and he had only done so because she had threatened to kill his dog.”

Sgt French said Thorburn told his cousin he was “concerned about her being pregnant”.

“The defendant further outlines (in the messages) the victim had spoken to his mother about it (the sex),” the prosecutor said.

She said a friend advised police that Tiahleigh told her in September “Trent tried to touch me” and later said they had sex when her foster parents were not home.

Sgt French said Thorburn had been interviewed by authorities on five occasions and denied being in a sexual relationship with his foster sister.

She said he had “abused his position as big brother”.

“The consequences are her young life has been taken,” Sgt French said.

The prosecutor alleged Thorburn would reoffend in that he would continue to pervert the course of justice.

“He has displayed and demonstrated he is prepared to take all steps necessary to avoid prosecution,” Sgt French said.

Thorburn’s lawyer, John Ide, argued he would spend more time behind bars than he otherwise would if a sentence is eventually handed down.

But Magistrate Pam Dowse said she was not satisfied he was a candidate for bail at this time, and denied the application.

His case will return to court in November.

Brother Josh and mother Julene will appear in court next month charged with perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Tiahleigh’s mother, Cindy Palmer, said outside court she was relieved at the bail outcome.

Rick Thorburn was arrested yesterday. Pic: AAP Image/Dave HuntSource:AAP

EARLIER: Accused killer in induced coma

THE MAN accused of murdering Tiahleigh Palmer is in an induced coma in a Brisbane hospital, a court has been told.

A police source revealed Mr Thorburn had swallowed pills either at Logan Central Police Station or at the Beenleigh Watch House following his arrest yesterday.

Richard Thorburn, 56, is facing charges of murder and interfering with a corpse over the 12-year-old’s death last year.

Cindy Palmer arrives at Beenleigh court this morning. Pic: Liam Kidston.Source:News Corp Australia

His son, Trent Thorburn, has been charged with incest and is expected to apply for bail in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court this afternoon.

Solicitor Kelly Thompson from Robertson O’Gorman Solicitors represented Rick Thorburn in court this morning and said he was still in the Princess Alexandra Hospital after collapsing when he was charged yesterday.

“He is currently in an induced coma and there is no indication when he will be brought out of that at this stage,” she said.

His case was adjourned to December 21.

Trent Thorburn is expected to apply for bail after 12pm today, and the hearing is expected to take about 45 minutes.

Cindy Palmer arrive at court today. Pic: Liam Kidston.Source:News Corp Australia

Tiahleigh’s mother Cindy arrived at court about 8.30am flanked by supporters wearing #Justice 4 Tiahleigh T-shirts.

Among her supporters was Tiahleigh’s former foster family, who cared for her for two-and-a-half years before the Thorburns.

They told The Courier-Mail Tiahleigh was “still family” and that they were shocked by the child’s death and wanted to support Cindy as much as possible.

The former foster family spoke of a young girl who loved the water.

“She was a feisty little girl, but a good girl.”

Tiahleigh Palmer’s foster mum at the time of her death, Julene Thorburn, and her 20-year-old

son Josh were at their Chambers Flat property following this morning’s drama. The two have been charged with perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The pair were seen talking with detectives and patting their pet dog when they arrived home at around 10.45am.

They also led police to a shed at the back of the property and fed their pet horses.

They were driven on to the property in police cars.

A search warrant was issued for the property yesterday afternoon and police are expected to spend most the week scouring for evidence.

Forensic officers and detectives have also been sighted on the property this morning.

It is unclear as to whether the pair will be able to remain on the property while the investigation continues.

The two were released on bail yesterday and will face court on October 10.

Tiahleigh PalmerSource:News Corp Australia

EARLIER: Tiahleigh’s mother arrives at court

TIAHLEIGH Palmer’s mother has arrived at court in Beenleigh as two members of the child’s foster family prepare to face court hearings over her death.

Police said the condition of foster father Rick Thorburn, 56, had improved after he collapsed in the watch house last night after being charged with Tiahleigh’s murder. It is unknown if he will appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court this morning or face the hearing from his hospital bedside.

His son Trent is also expected to appear charged with incest, attempting to pervert the course of justice and perjury.

Police will allege Rick Thorburn killed the 12-year-old to cover his son’s sexual involvement with the child.

Ms Palmer, wearing a Justice 4 Tiahleigh shirt, did not comment outside court but said she would release a statement later in the week. She was flanked by dozens of supporters, many of whom also wore the purple T-shirts — Tiahleigh’s favourite colour.

Tiahleigh’s body was found on the banks of the Pimpama River last November, a week after she was last seen alive when she was dropped off at Marsden State High School.

Thorburn’s wife Julene, 54, and another son, Josh, 20, have been charged with perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice. They have been released on bail and will face court on October 10.