NSW: Mother exercises legal right not to testify at inquest

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2006
NSW: Mother exercises legal right not to testify at inquest

Reissuing, pics available





(EDS: Counsel assisting the inquest told reporters Mr Abernethy had allowed the publication
of Keli Lane's decision not to testify)



SYDNEY, Feb 13 AAP - Sydney mother Keli Lane has exercised her legal right not to answer
questions in the witness box at an inquest into the suspected death of her daughter Tegan.

Ms Lane, 30, was the final witness called as NSW coroner John Abernethy probed what
happened to Tegan, who has not been seen since she and her mother were discharged from
Auburn Hospital on September 14, 1996, two days after her birth.

Ms Lane, who hid the pregnancy and two others from family and friends, told police
she gave newborn Tegan to the girl's natural father, a man she named as Andrew Norris.

As the inquest resumed today after an eight-month adjournment, Westmead Coroner's Court
was told exhaustive nationwide searches had failed to turn up any trace of Mr Norris or
the child.

Ms Lane's barrister, Peter Hamill, SC, advised the court his client would be exercising
her legal right to silence.

"It's self evident ... Ms Lane is a suspect in what is likely to be an ongoing search
for a missing person or missing persons and an ongoing police investigation," Mr Hamill
said.

"This means she enjoys a right to silence.

"I have great concern that any evidence she gives in these proceedings could be used
against her in future proceedings."

Sergeant Rebbecca Becroft (Rebbecca Becroft), assisting the coroner, called Ms Lane
to give evidence.

"Can you tell this court what happened to Tegan Lane around 2 pm on the 14th of September,
1996, when you left the hospital with her?" Sgt Becroft asked.

Ms Lane replied: "I do not wish to answer that question", and was excused from the witness box.

Mr Abernethy adjourned the inquest until tomorrow, when he will hear submissions in the case.

AAP ka/dmc/nf/rj/de

KEYWORD: LANE LEAD (PICS AVAILABLE) REISSUING

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