Mon 22 Jun 2009 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
11.50AM: The jury for the High Court trial of Ferdinand Ambach has just been sworn in and was advised by the judge to keep an open mind about all aspects of the trial. Hungarian tourist Ambach is charged with the murder of elderly gay Onehunga man Ronald Brown in December 2007. In advising the jury members on how to approach its job, the Hon. Justice Helen Winkelmann told them to "put your emotions to one side and approach what you hear calmly and dispassionately." The judge also reminded the jury that a decision of guilty can only be arrived at if all jury members believe it has been proved "beyond reasonable doubt." As the trial got under way this morning Ambach appeared calm and was well dressed as he sat conferring with his interpreter. When asked whether he pleaded guilty or not guilty he replied clearly and firmly "Not guilty." The trial is set down for three weeks with the prosecution case expected to last well into next week. The jury is to be bussed to view locations important to the case.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 22nd June 2009 - 11:43am