Haig case goes back to Court
23 April 2004
Rex Haig, convicted of murdering Mark Roderique but who maintains his innocence, will go back to Court of Appeal
Convicted murderer Rex Haig is to get another day in court.
Justice Minister Phil Goff has announced his conviction is to be referred back to the Court of Appeal.
Haig was convicted in November 1995 of murdering fishing boat crewman Mark Roderique but has always maintained his innocence.
On his website, rexhaig.com, he says he was convicted of killing his crewman on the testimony of his nephew, David Hogan, who received a $20,000 reward and immunity from prosecution along with another suspect Tony Sewell.
According to Haig, the trial was held in the close-knit home town of the missing man, and the jury complained of intimidation and pressure, reportedly becoming visibly upset and distressed.
Rex Haig says a critical defence witness, Anton Sherlock, was murdered only hours before he was due to give evidence at the trial.
He also claims members of the Jury have since been found to have had links with the victim's family and that the chief Crown witness, David Hogan, later confessed to the killing himself.
Haig appealed, but that was dismissed and in 1999 made an application for the Royal Prerogative of Mercy.
That was declined on advice from the Ministry of Justice, but Haig applied again in 2002.
This time the Minister was advised the other man's alleged confession constituted fresh evidence.
Mr Goff says in light of the conflicting advice, he has decided to refer the case back to the Court of Appeal.
An independent two-year examination of the case was carried out by Bryan Rowe, a top Auckland private investigator and former police superintendent.
He says he has absolutely no doubt that Rex Haig is completely innocent.
©2010 IRN / New Zealand City Limited
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