NSW: Police misled Gonzales, appeals court told

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2007
NSW: Police misled Gonzales, appeals court told

Convicted murderer SEF GONZALES' lawyer says his client was misled by police into thinking
he was not a suspect .. and asked to make inappropriate assertions about witnesses at
his trial.

The 26-year-old is challenging his conviction and three life sentences for the murder
of his parents and teenaged sister .. at their north-western Sydney home in July 2001.

He's launched an appeal on nine grounds relating to admissibility of evidence and conduct
of the prosecution at his Supreme Court trial.

His lawyer .. PAUL BYRNE SC .. told the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal police repeatedly
assured GONZALES he was not a suspect in the murders .. when this was clearly not the
case.

MR BYRNE said this made the admission and use of subsequent evidence he gave to police unfair.

He also said calling evidence about GONZALES' inquiries and purchases following the
deaths as proof of a motive .. was unduly prejudicial.

GONZALES also strongly objected to the manner in which he was cross-examined by the
crown prosecutor MARK TEDESCHI QC .. and his description of his evidence as 'absolutely
pathetic'.

Mr BYRNE said it was completely inappropriate that Mr TEDESCHI repeatedly told GONZALES
.. five witnesses who gave evidence to contradict his story were wrong.

He said essentially Mr TEDESCHI was saying GONZALES was either guilty .. or the unluckiest
person alive.

Mr BYRNE also said Mr TEDESCHI's closing address which started with the words .. 'Where
do I start .. there's such an overwhelming case against the accused' .. was also unjust.

The hearing continues.

AAP RTV ajc/was/imc/bart

KEYWORD: GONZALES (SYDNEY)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.