WA:Defence probes 'other suspects' on Rayney

AAP General News (Australia)
08-26-2011
WA:Defence probes 'other suspects' on Rayney

PERTH, Aug 26 AAP - The defence team for prominent Perth lawyer Lloyd Rayney, who is
accused of murdering his wife, is seeking information from police on "other suspects and
persons of interest" in the case.

The 44-year-old appeared in the Supreme Court on Friday so lawyers could sort out issues
over evidence and witnesses to allow a trial date to be set, following delays.

The judge, Commissioner Kevin Sleight, indicated he was looking at listing a trial
for March, April and May next year.

Rayney formally pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife Corryn on August 7, 2007,
and also pleaded not guilty to an alternative charge of unlawfully killing her.

Ms Rayney, 44, who was the WA Supreme Court registrar, disappeared after leaving friends
at her weekly dance class.

Her car was found nine days after her disappearance and, after following a trail of
brake fluid, police found her body buried in a shallow grave at Perth's Kings Park.

Rayney was arrested and charged in December last year but was released on bail in January
to allow him to care for his two teenage daughters.

His lawyer, David Edwardson, QC, said the defence was still waiting on documents from
the prosecution, including experts' reports and information on "other suspects and persons
of interest".

"There are a number of people who are clearly identified as persons of interest and
potential suspects in this matter," he said.

Full and complete disclosure of such information was essential to the defence, Mr Edwardson said.

High-profile NSW silk John Agius, QC, who is leading the prosecution, said the defence
would be provided with copies of relevant documents if it made a formal request "although
we are under no obligation to provide those documents".

Commissioner Sleight adjourned the matter until Monday for formal extension of Rayney's
bail with an added provision that he not personally contact witnesses whose names had
been sought by defence counsel.

Defence lawyer Laura Timpano told reporters outside court that the case was attracting
much publicity and media attention.

"The defence team is just very grateful that the court is taking all appropriate steps
to ensure there's going to be a fair trial."

AAP ldj/dep/de

KEYWORD: RAYNEY

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