6PM FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER
PRESENTER, WENDY PETRIE: There's controversy over the court case for the man accused of murdering Emma Agnew as it emerges the 20-year-old was suffocated. Christchurch police have released the post-mortem details, while questions are raised about whether a fair trial can take place. Vicki Wilkinson-Baker has that story.
REPORTER: Outside the Christchurch Court, anguish and anger over the man accused of killing Emma Agnew, scenes like this fuelling concerns that Liam James Reid (35) won't get a fair trial. Reid's lawyer didn't want to appear on camera, saying there's already been enough publicity, but David Bunce told me he's worried his client won't get a fair trial, that there's already an assumption he's guilty. Other top lawyers say the trial is close to being in jeopardy.
NIGEL HAMPTON, QC: Just imagine if some judge or Court of Appeal says the publicity - the pre-trial, pre-arrest publicity - was so bad that this man could not get a fair trial, he's got to walk free. How will the public react then?
REPORTER: The Solicitor General is monitoring coverage to see if it's in contempt of court, and investigating many derogatory comments on websites.
NIGEL HAMPTON, QC: There are extreme positions being taken. We may as well bring out the lynch mob and find a tree out in the park just beside us here and string him up straight away.
REPORTER: Another concern, potential jurors hearing speculation that Reid may be connected to other crimes.
MARIE DYHRBERG: The link is made in a person's mind, and it will not be removed. They have to be influenced by that.
REPORTER: Even though any trial over Emma Agnew's murder could be months away, Nigel Hampton says time and moving the case will have little effect.
NIGEL HAMPTON, QC: That wouldn't help. Wouldn't matter whether it was Whangarei or Invercargill - wouldn't help.
REPORTER: On Wednesday, the Deaf community called for calm. Nigel Hampton endorses that, saying the time to express anger is if and when a person is found guilty.
Vicki Wilkinson-Baker, ONE News.
