Philip John Polkinghorne. Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro
Content warning: This story has mentions of suicide.
Emergency services were told they would not need life-saving measures they had bought to the home of Pauline Hanna after a 111 call, a jury has heard.
The High Court trial of 71-year-old Philip John Polkinghorne, a retired eye surgeon, began on Monday in Auckland.
He is accused of murdering his wife and staging her death as a suicide.
Hanna, 63, was found dead in the Remuera home she shared with her husband in April 2021.
On Tuesday, St John emergency medical technician Hannah Matheson told the court Hanna was deceased when paramedics arrived at the home.
Matheson said when they were entering, a woman, which defence identified as Polkinghorne's sister, said they would not need the oxygen they were bringing in.
She said they found Hanna on the ground covered by a duvet. There was a piece of rope hanging from the balustrade and another piece on the staircase.
Matheson said Polkinghorne told her he had followed the instructions of the 111 operator to "cut her down".
Philip John Polkinghorne arrived at court with his defence team. Photo: NZME/Michael Craig
She said Polkinghorne appeared reasonably calm, did not seem distressed, and answered their questions about the patient appropriately.
When asked what happened that morning, Matheson said Polkinghorne told her he and his wife woke up separately. He said he then found her dead when he went to make her breakfast.
Matheson said Polkinghorne told her his wife had depression.
He was unaware of any names of medications that she took when asked.
He described his occupation as a doctor.
When she pointed out a fresh graze on his forehead, Matheson said Polkinghorne looked surprised it was there and said he was not aware of it.
Matheson said Polkinghorne later moved into the kitchen and made a phone call to what she believed was Hanna's workplace.
"His demeanour changed and he appeared more upset and distressed on the phone.
"He said she couldn't come in today, I assumed he was calling her workplace."
When probed by Polkinghorne's defence lawyer, Ron Mansfield, Matheson acknowledged people respond differently in situations where an 'accident or sudden death' happens.
She agreed it was human reaction for Polkinghorne to cover Hanna with a duvet.
Police constable Alex Rolland, who was also at the scene, told the court Polkinghorne was audibly wailing and crying.
Rolland said Polkinghorne called people to tell them his wife had passed and he was also getting texts and calls.
"When he spoke to people to notify them of her death, he was quite upset."
Rolland heard him say during a call: "Pauline's dead. My wife's dead."
While giving his statement to police, Rolland said Polkinghorne did not get too emotional and was straight to the point.
He also observed Polkinghorne had a graze on the centre of his forehead that seemed fresh, but was not bleeding.
He said the older woman at the house with Polkinghorne told him it must of happened when he was "cutting Ms Hanna down".
Polkinghorne also told police he did not realise the graze was there.
The trial continues.
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
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Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
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If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
