Lawyer Lloyd Rayney is suing for defamation after he was named the prime suspect in his wife`s murder. Picture: Lincoln Baker
Lawyer`s wife murdered last year
Husband suing after being named prime suspect
Says Crown must prove he was the prime suspect
PROMINENT lawyer Lloyd Rayney is suing the West Australian Government after police named him the "prime" and "only" suspect in his wife`s murder.
Mr Rayney, of Perth, filed a writ with the West Australian Supreme Court yesterday claiming he was "grossly" defamed by Detective Senior Sergeant Jack Lee who made the comments during a media conference on September 20 last year.
Det-Sen-Sgt Lee was heading the investigation into the unsolved murder of Mr Rayney`s estranged wife Corryn Rayney, 44, who vanished on August 7, 2007 after a bootscooting class.
Mr Rayney has denied any involvement in the death of the Supreme Court registrar, whose body was discovered in Perth`s Kings Park on August 16.
A police spokesman said they would be making no comment.
"We`ve got nothing to say and it`s in the hands of the state solicitor," the spokesman said.
Mr Rayney`s lawyer Martin Bennett said the innuendo of the comments was that his client had murdered Ms Rayney.
Mr Rayney is seeking general damages, limited to $280,500 in WA, and special damages, for the loss of his income as a barrister.
"It`s an offer of compensation and apology and the like, Mr Bennett told The West Australian newspaper.
"They can make an offer if they wish. The apology is obviously what every plaintiff wants, but the damage is incalculably large.
"He has had not only the stress of the defamation to himself, but the stress this has caused his children."
Mr Bennett said the police allegations had basically affected Mr Rayney`s entire earning capacity.
He said he hoped the matter could be resolved through discussions.
If the Government decides to defend the case, it would have to prove the truth of the allegations Mr Rayney was the "prime suspect" in his wife`s death.
The burden of proof in such a civil matter would be less than in a criminal court.
The Government would not have to prove "beyond reasonable doubt" Mr Rayney had killed his wife, but that it was "more likely than not".
Mr Rayney has pleaded not guilty in the Perth Magistrates Court to a charge of tapping his wife`s phone.
