Former eye doctor Philip Polkinghorne has spoken briefly to media after he was found not guilty of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna.
“Today’s outcome is a huge turning point in our lives,” he said.
“This process has taken a massive toll on so many of us. But now we can grieve and let Pauline rest in peace. That is the best gift we can possibly give her.”
He did not take questions.
The verdict comes after a weeks-long trial that has gripped the country. (Source: 1News)
Today at the Auckland High Court in Auckland the jury reached its verdict, finding Polkinghorne not guilty of murder. He was also found not guilty of her manslaughter.
The prosecution had argued Polkinghorne strangled Hanna to death and staged the scene to make it look like a suicide before calling police to the property on April 5 that year.
The defence argued that Polkinghorne was innocent and had simply woken up, gone downstairs and found his wife dead.
‘Not the decision we wanted’ – Hanna’s family speaks
Hanna’s brother Bruce said the verdict was “not the decision we wanted”.
He was joined by his son Jacob and wife Shelley – who held a framed picture of Pauline Hanna.
Bruce Hanna thanked the police and the prosecution “for their dedication and hard work”.
He said the proceedings were “fair” and that “as disappointed as we are, we need to respect the decision and move on”.
They also chose not to answer any questions.
Hanna’s best friend, Pheasant Riordan, who was also a Crown witness, also expressed her disappointment.
“[Pauline] was an amazing person, but it is what it is.
“She didn’t deserve this end.”
Alysha McClintock, Crown Solicitor for the prosecution team, said outside court that she respected the jury’s verdict and the effort they had put in.
“They worked hard on this difficult case.”
She said it was important to remember the tragedy of Hanna’s death and the impact it had on her friends and family.
“I think what’s important today is, there’s been a great tragedy. Pauline Hanna died, and we feel for her family, her loved ones, and those who loved her.”
She called it a “difficult” case that was “unprecedented” due to the media attention it garnered.
“As I say, this is the way things go. The jury has to be sure, and they weren’t sure, and I’ve got nothing but respect for that.”
Acting Detective Inspector Chris Allan said police “acknowledge and respect” the decision reached by the jury.
“Our thoughts go out to Pauline’s family and friends right now. This will be an incredibly tough day, and it’s been a pretty tough process these last eight weeks.”
He said the jury had a “particularly rough job” in reaching a verdict.
“They’ve made a significant personal contribution, to this process and one that police would like to appreciate as well.”
He said it was also now the end of the investigation as Hanna’s death was now a coronial matter.
