By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission
Warning: This story discusses suicide.
A jury has found Philip Polkinghorne not guilty of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna in their Remuera home in April 2021.
Polkinghorne showed no emotion as the verdict was read out.
The verdict, read out by the foreman, was heard in silence in the courtroom.
Members of the Polkinghorne family were in tears in the public gallery, while the family of Pauline Hanna looked shocked by the verdict.
Polkinghorne and his lawyer remained in court for a time as Justice Lang set the sentencing date for the methamphetamine charges he pled guilty to at the start of the trial.
Polkinghorne after the not guilty verdict. Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel
Polkinghorne, outside the court, called the verdict a “huge turning point”.
“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.”
Speaking outside the court, Crown prosecutor Alysha McClintock told media she respected the jury’s verdict.
“They worked hard on a difficult case, and we respect the verdict that they’ve reached … What’s important today is there’s been a great tragedy. Pauline Hanna died, and we feel for the family, the loved ones and those who loved her, but I absolutely respect the jury’s verdict. They worked hard to reach it.”
She said the Crown had no right of appeal, so the case was now over.
“The jury’s worked hard, they listened to eight weeks of evidence and we asked them to piece it together. We respect the verdict they’ve reached, but we have no ability to appeal it.”
She said it was a difficult case for “everybody”, including herself, particularly due to the “sheer volume of interest” and media coverage.
“The evidence is there, was available to piece together, but at the end of the day the jury has to be convinced of that, and they have to be sure of that.”
She said the community would also have to respect the jury’s decision.
“The jury has to be sure, and they weren’t sure.”
One of Hanna’s friends who attended the trial sobbed loudly as she walked past media outside.
Pauline Hanna’s supporters speak to media following the verdict. Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel
Earlier on Monday, the jury asked the court for guidance saying some did not believe there was enough proof he caused his wife’s death, while most said there was not enough proof of her suicide.
Justice Graham Lang addressed the jury, telling them they must be convinced of their verdict beyond a reasonable doubt. Lang said the defence did not bear the onus of proving Pauline Hanna killed herself, and sent jurors back into deliberation.
The trial at the High Court in Auckland spanned eight weeks, and heard from more than 80 witnesses.
Read more:
- The Crown case revolved around Polkinghorne’s use of drugs and sex workers.
- Polkinghorne’s defence was that Hanna committed suicide due to depression and work pressures.
- Polkinghorne did not give evidence in the trial, although a video of his interview with police was played.
- There was a massive amount of interest in the trial with the public gallery often packed.
The Crown argued Polkinghorne killed his wife after a possible violent struggle, while he may have been under the influence of methamphetamine.
But the defence maintained Hanna died by suicide after many years of struggling with depression, compounded by work-related stress during the pandemic.
The jury of three men and eight women asked to re-listen to some audio before beginning deliberations finishing their deliberations on Monday.
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
What’s Up: free counselling for 5 to 19 years old, online chat 11am-10.30pm 7days/week or free phone 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 11am-11pm Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm or text 832 Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and English.
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
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OUTLine: 0800 688 5463 (6pm-9pm)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
