22 Nov 2019

Jury to deliberate Grace Millane verdict today

From Morning Report, 7:17 am on 22 November 2019

Warning: This story contains details that may not be appropriate for some people.

The jury will retire to deliberate its verdict in the trial of the man accused of murdering Grace Millane today.

Ms Millane went on a Tinder date with the 27-year-old last December and wound up buried in a suitcase in the Waitakere Ranges.

The man doesn't dispute burying her but maintains she died after he choked her with consent and encouragement.

On Thursday his lawyer Ian Brookie told the jury his client reacted badly - selfishly - after the young woman died but he wasn't guilty of murder.

Crown Solicitor for Auckland Brian Dickey said explicit photographs the man took of the young woman's body could mean only one thing.

The accused's fate will be in the hands of the jury this afternoon after Justice Moore sums the case up this morning.

RNZ court reporter Anneke Smith speaks to Corin Dann.