The defence team representing an Auckland eye surgeon accused of murder has called on the jury to focus on the facts rather than getting caught up in notions of a murder mystery or phantom killers.

In the closing statements delivered by the Crown in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne for the alleged murder of his wife, Pauline Hanna, defence lawyer Ron Mansfield, KC, emphasized the importance of logic over emotion.

Mansfield criticized the prosecution’s portrayal of the case as a modern-day murder mystery and urged the jury to consider the evidence presented throughout the trial. The defence has consistently argued that Hanna’s death was a result of suicide due to her history of mental health issues, while the Crown maintains that Polkinghorne strangled her during a violent altercation.

The defence painted a picture of Polkinghorne as a grieving man who was unfairly targeted by the media and law enforcement following his wife’s death. Mansfield highlighted the isolation Polkinghorne experienced during the intense police investigation and emphasized the impact it had on his personal life.

Despite the scrutiny and public judgment, the defence asked the jury to empathize with Polkinghorne’s situation and understand the context of his actions following Hanna’s death. The defence argued that the forensic evidence in the case pointed towards suicide rather than homicide, as suggested by the Crown.

Mansfield addressed the allegations of Polkinghorne’s relationships with sex workers, stating that they were part of private agreements and should not be used to vilify him. He referenced a secret recording in which Hanna referred to Polkinghorne as a ‘sex fiend,’ but argued that their personal choices should not be subjected to public scrutiny.

The defence highlighted discrepancies in witness testimonies and urged the jury to carefully consider the evidence presented in court. Mansfield questioned the credibility of witnesses who described Polkinghorne as controlling and manipulative, contrasting their accounts with Hanna’s own words.

As the defence’s closing arguments continued, the focus remained on challenging the Crown’s narrative and presenting a compelling case for Polkinghorne’s innocence.