Thu 13 Oct 2011 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Denis Phillips 12.25PM: Technology is to the fore as the ESR scientist who conducted the scene examination at the house of gay stabbing victim Denis Phillips is giving evidence at the High Court in Auckland. The jury is being shown through the house with the use of a technique called spherical photography, where a full spherical view of the house is provided to put the scene clearly into context. An expert likened it to being inside a tennis ball and being able to see in all directions, allowing a full tour of the property. Photographs of items of interest can be clicked through to from the spherical photographs, showing Phillips’ house was heavily bloodied when the 59-year-old’s body was found lying face-down, shirtless and shoeless in his hallway. Murder accused Willie Ahsee, 17, has admitted he fatally stabbed Phillips, however his defence has indicated it will use a self-defence argument and advised the jury that what was in the accused’s mind when he stabbed the older man is key. ESR Forensic Scientist Fiona Matheson is giving lengthy and extremely detailed evidence about the blood found throughout the house, using the spherical photography and scene photographs. GayNZ.com's in-court coverage will continue throughout each day of the trial.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 13th October 2011 - 12:00pm