Claims From An 'addict'

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday November 21, 2007

By PAUL MAGUIRE

THE "ravings of a drug addict" who was "stoned out of her mind" were central to murder allegations against three men, Newcastle Supreme Court was told yesterday.

Barristers representing two of the accused said the woman's evidence provided a suspect foundation for cases against William Wayne Spencer, Owen Henry Frazer and Kirrlie "Kyle" Shane Wilson.

Spencer, 37, of Awaba Road, Toronto, Frazer, 51, of Pinaroo Road, Gwandalan, and Wilson, 32, of Vena Avenue, Gorokan, have pleaded not guilty to the shooting murder of Ric Anson on January 11, 2005, in the Toronto flat he shared with Spencer.

Barrister Stewart Austin, for Spencer, said the evidence of Hazel Seery was unreliable as she was stoned out of her mind and did not have the slightest recollection of at least two hours during the night in question.

Wilson's barrister Dennis Stewart said the prosecution had built its case on the ravings of a drug addict who was "off her face" on amphetamines and ecstacy yet still believed she knew what was happening.

Barrister John O'Sullivan, for Frazer, said the prosecution case "didn't lay a glove" on his client.

Ms Seery, Spencer's former partner, told the court Spencer knew Mr Anson had drugs and money and arranged for Frazer and Wilson to steal it. All three men have denied this.

When summing up yesterday, all three defence barristers said their clients were not involved in a conspiracy to rob and assault Mr Anson and should be acquitted of murder and a potential lesser charge of manslaughter.

The trial resumes today.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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