NORFOLK ISLAND - The interview given to police by the man accused of murdering Janelle Patton was neither accurate nor "evidence of the commission of the crime", a Norfolk Island court has been told.
Defence counsel Peter Garling SC today began summing up the case for New Zealander
Glenn McNeill in the territory's Supreme Court.
McNeill, a Nelson chef, has pleaded not guilty to murdering 29-year-old Ms Patton, who was stabbed to death on Easter Sunday 2002.
His murder trial is the first to take place on the tiny Pacific island in 150 years.
"That allows each of you to take your place in the history of this island," Mr Garling told the 11 jurors.
He said their decision would be "a singular event", but reminded them they only had one chance to fulfil their role.
"You are not here to rubber-stamp the case for the prosecution," Mr Garling said.
"Mr McNeill is presumed innocent and he will remain an innocent man unless your unanimous verdict at the end of this trial is that he is guilty of the charge brought by the crown.
"The evidence demonstrates what the real truth is about the death of Ms Patton.
"The real truth is that Mr McNeill did not murder Ms Patton."
The jury has seen an interview recorded by police, in which McNeill, 29, said he stabbed Ms Patton after accidentally running her over.
But Mr Garling said the interview was "neither accurate nor indeed any evidence of the commission of the crime".
The trial continues.
- AAP
