The long-running murder trial involving former police officer Noel Maitland has entered a critical phase, as the seven-member jury has been sent out to consider its verdict.
Supreme Court Justice Leighton Pusey issued the direction after delivering his final summation to the jurors. In his instructions, the judge emphasized that the jury alone is responsible for assessing the facts and deciding whether the prosecution has met the required standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Maitland is facing charges linked to the July 2022 killing of his girlfriend, Donna-Lee Donaldson, a social media influencer. He is also accused of unlawfully disposing of her body, which has never been found.
During deliberations, jurors are expected to review a substantial body of evidence presented during the trial, including testimony from more than 30 witnesses and in excess of 40 exhibits.
As the jury weighs the evidence, attention remains fixed on the court as the country awaits its decision







