|
main
|
news
|
security
|
policing
8 Oct 2024 |
crime.co.nz
SEARCH:
Main
>
NZ law and order news
crime.
files
Murder
Unsolved
Sexual Crime
White Collar
Child Abuse
Political & Misc.
crime.
features
Crime news
Home security
Business security
Security services
Policing NZ
NZ Parole Board
Psychology&Law
Kidz Korner
Firearms in NZ
crime.
resources
Prevention
For Victims
Drug Abuse
Alcohol Abuse
Legal Resources
Crime Statistics
Family Violence
Support Services
NewsLinks
crime.
co.nz
HOME
About Us
Contribute
Contact Us
Feedback
NZCity
Scott Watson Trial - Guilty Verdict Returned
Ben Smart and Olivia Hope disappeared from Endeavor Inlet in the Marlborough Sounds on New Year’s Day, 1998. This section aims to provide an up-to-date record of the trial of Scott Watson, the man accused of their murder. Be sure to check back regularly as the trial unfolds, as crime.co is committed to delivering a broad coverage of events as the trial progresses.
The Trial
On June 14, 1999, the man accused went to trial in what looks to become the trial of the decade. For an in-depth analysis of the case please go to our section headed
Operation TAM
.
The Legal Teams
The powerhouse legal teams involved in the trial of Scott Watson
read story...
Week One - Prosecution Case Highlights
The Crown says that sex was the motive for Scott Watson murdering Ben Smart and Olivia Hope, and that Ben was killed only because of what he had witnessed.
read story...
Week Two - Testimonies of Numerous Witnesses Heard
Numerous boat owners give evidence including a report of loud noises heard early on New Year's morning
read story...
Week Three - Jury visits the Marlborough Sounds
The jury in visited the Marlborough Sounds this week to view the Furneaux Lodge and Scott Watson's boat.
read story...
Week Four - Around 300 witnesses heard to date
Almost 300 witnesses have given evidence at the end of the trial's fourth week
read story...
Week Five - Witnesses tell of Watson's New Year's Behaviour
The High Court in Wellington heard testimonies of witnesses who had dealings with Scott Watson at the Furneaux Lodge on New Year's Eve, 1997.
read story...
Week Six - More people who had dealings with Scott Watson give evidence
More testimonies were given this week from witnesses who had dealings with Scott Watson at the Furneaux Lodge on or around New Year's Eve, 1997.
read story...
Week Seven - One Mast or Two?
A second witness in the Scott Watson murder trial told the jury Olivia Hope and Ben Smart boarded a double-masted ketch.
read story...
Week 8 - Forensic evidence begins...
Forensic examinations of the yacht of murder accused Scott Watson were presented this week, as well as testimony from the accused's brother.
read story...
Week 9 - Hair, blood DNA analysis evidence heard
ESR scientists gave evidence relating to the DNA content of hair and blood samples taken from a blanket found in Scott Watson's yacht this week.
read story...
Week 10 - Ex-cellmate gives 'confession' evidence
This week the Watson jury heard evidence from a secret witness who had shared a prison cell with the accused in 1998.
read story...
Week 11 - Prosecution Wraps Up
The Crown's case against Scott Watson draws to a close in the High Court in Wellington, with the last of the prosecution witnesses taking the stand.
read story...
Week 12 - The Case for the Defence Opens
The Defence case opens saying the Crown's own witnesses prove Watson was not with Blenheim friends
read story...
Week 13 - Closing arguements presented and jury deliberation begins...
The jury considers its verdict after the Justice Heron finished summing up the case.
read story...
Scott Watson - Guilty of Murder
The jury has found 28 year old Scott Watson guilty of the murders of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope.
read story...
Mon 13 Sep - Decision on appeal to be made
Scott Watson's lawyers will meet to decide whether to appeal the 28-year-old's conviction for murdering Ben Smart and Olivia Hope this week.
read story...
Wed 16 Sep - Crown applies to extend minimum parole period
Convicted double-murderer Scott Watson may not be eligible for parole when he's 38 as the Crown files an application to extend his minimum parole period.
read story...
Next related article:
News following the conviction of Scott Watson
Prev related article:
Scott Watson To Stand Trial
Back to Operation TAM - Olivia Hope and Ben Smart Index
This section provides an up-to-date record of the trial of Scott Watson, the man accused of the murders.
© 2024 NZCity
For marketing opportunities contact:
www.webads.co.nz