The fate of a Queensland man accused of coaxing and then helping his wife kill herself so he could use her life insurance money to build a religious commune is in the hands of a jury.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Graham Robert Morant, 69, is on trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court for aiding and counselling Jennifer Morant to take her own life in 2014.
The jury retired to deliberate on Friday.
He was the sole beneficiary to her three life insurance policies totalling a combined $1.4 million when she committed suicide in November that year.
Ms Morant lived with chronic back pain and found even the most simple everyday tasks impossible, the court has heard.
The prosecution alleges Morant persuaded Ms Morant in the months before her death by telling her the funds would go towards a commune where he would be pastor.
But lawyers for Morant argue there is no evidence the insurance money has been paid.
They have also told the court Ms Morant wanted to die, however, two witnesses close to her testified she did not want to kill herself and was scared by his pressure on her to do so.
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Australian Associated Press
