NSW: Fitter and turner claims self defence in killling gay man

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2000
NSW: Fitter and turner claims self defence in killling gay man

An apprentice fitter and turner has pleaded not guilty to murdering a gay accountant
who was strangled in a Sydney park last March.

A New South Wales Supreme Court jury has heard that KANE GRAHAM, 21, of West Ryde,
told police he had strangled a male stranger who had knocked him unconscious, kidnapped
him and who was raping him.

But GRAHAM'S barrister, PETER HAMILL says he will now tell the court he was too embarrassed,
humiliated and young, to tell police that he was interested in engaging in sexual activity
with BRENDAN MCGOVERN, 29, of Hunters Hill.

Crown prosecutor, TIM HOYLE, SC, says GRAHAM told police he was sitting in the West
Ryde primary school when knocked unconscious.

But Mr HAMILL said the pair actually met through a phone chatline -- where McGOVERN
registered as a woman -- and arranged to meet at the school before then going to Gladesville
Reserve on March 4, 1999.

Mr HAMILL said the pair had engaged in consensual fondling before GRAHAM grew apprehensive
and withdrew his consent as he feared being raped.

He said struggle ensued and GRAHAM grabbed Mr MCGOVERN by the throat trying to keep him away.

The trial is continuing.

AAP RTV mss/ah/alt/jn

KEYWORD: GRAHAM (SYDNEY)

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