Bain retrial enters final phase

Published: 6:38PM Monday June 01, 2009 Source: ONE News

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -

It is now just a matter of days until the historic David Bain retrial reaches an end.

The jury has now heard all the evidence and is expected to begin deliberations this week.

But the defence case ended in an unusual way, when their final witness disappeared.

Week number 12 and pathologist number five, as once again the issue at stake was whether or not Robin Bain could have taken his own life.

On Monday forensic pathologist Stephen Cordner told the court: "There is nothing in that wound to Robin in my view to negate the conclusion of suicide."

The three pathologists giving evidence for the Crown all disagreed, maintaining suicide was unlikely or impossible.

But David Bain's defence team produced two pathologists and a series of photos showing how his father Robin could have done it.

The defence case ended in the most unusual of circumstances as their prospective witness, Dean Cottle, disappeared.

Defence lawyer Michael Reed QC told the court on Tuesday that Cottle could not be found and instead a warrant for his arrest had been issued. As information filtered through, it became clear Cottle would not be appearing in court and he had flown to Brisbane on May 16.

Instead, a statement  he gave police in 1994 about the accused's sister Laniet was read to the court.

Justice Graham Panckhurst read the statement in which Cottle said Laniet told him her father had been having sex with her and this had been happening for years.

In the statement Cottle said he met up with Laniet just days before the murders and she had told him she was going home that weekend to tell the family everything about what had been occurring.

Lawyers from both sides will present closing arguments this week, with the jury expected to retire to consider its verdict on Thursday.

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • more...

David Bain News

Most Popular

  1. Corby worse than a terrorist: judge
  2. One Direction fan sneaks into dressing room
  3. Strong quake hits Christchurch watch
  4. Two men arrested after protest outside Auckland hotel watch
  5. English suggests jobless move to Christchurch watch

rssLatest News

Advertising

How do you want your news?

  • Mobile Devices

    TVNZ is available on mobile phones: Text TVNZ to 8869.

  • News Feeds

    See when TVNZ have added new content. You can get the latest headlines anywhere.

  • Podcasts

    Enjoy TVNZ on the move - a wide range of programmes and highlights are available.