Archive for December, 2013
Defence case opens in Helen Milner murder trial
[Updated report] Helen Elizabeth Milner’s defence team is calling four witnesses to provide what they call “balance” after two weeks of Crown evidence alleging she poisoned and suffocated her husband.
Woman jailed for welfare, housing frauds
A 54-year-old woman who ran up Housing Corporation and social welfare frauds totalling $274,591 has been jailed for two years four months, at her Christchurch District Court sentencing.
Misspelling features in murder trial evidence
Police could find no evidence that Philip James Nisbet misspelled always as “allways” as he did on the alleged suicide note that is an exhibit in the High Court at Christchurch.
Life ‘turns to muck’ for convicted drug conspirator
Life had “turned to muck” for a retired dairy farmer who became the financier for a major methamphetamine ring, a judge was told before he jailed the man for three years ten months.
Man denies ‘petrol scam’ offences
A man accused of carrying out 10 “petrol scam” offences is denying the charges and has been remanded on bail for a case review hearing in February.
Murder trial told of ‘friendship ring’ purchase
A ring seen on the finger of Helen Elizabeth Milner just over two months after the death of her husband was a “friendship ring”, according to the man who bought it for her.
Symptoms could have been from spider bite, says expert
A defence medical expert has said that symptoms that led to Philip James Nisbet being taken to the hospital a month before his death were more likely to be a spider bite than a sedative overdose.
Judge concerned about effects of second-strike sentence
A judge has expressed concern about a repeat sex offender’s prospect of being released from prison without support or supervision because of the three-strikes system.
Peter Whittall discharged on Pike River charges
Charges against Pike River mine chief executive Peter James Whittall have been dropped, with the prosecution citing difficulties bringing the case to trial.
Court told of fourth note from alleged murder victim
Evidence of a fourth note said to be from Philip James Nisbet at the time of his alleged suicide has emerged at the trial of his wife who is accused of murdering him.
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