Woman accused of murder

Press, 13 June 1979, Page 21

Woman accused of murder

PA Auckland A woman has pleaded not guilty to a charge of the .murder of her de facto husband, who died from a fractured skull. Georgine Paterson, aged 37, a process worker, was accused of the murder of John Avotins when her trial began in the Supreme Court at Auckland. The Crown alleged that Mr Avotins, also known as John Marshall, died on January 29 after a confrontation between the couple at their Glen Eden home. The trial is before Mr Justice Thorp and a jury. The Crown prosector (Mr E. R. Winkel) said evidence would show that the accused and Mr Avotins attended a bowling club function on January 28 and left separately. When Paterson arrived home, she went to a room where Mr Avotins was sleeping. She later told the police that she thought he was going to hit her. Mr Winkel said it would

be shown that she picked up a heavy ashtray, which had been used as a doorstop, and hit him over the head. Mr Avotins died from a fractured skill. The Crown will call 17 witnesses. Mr P. J. Kaye appeared with Mr Winkel for the Crown and Mr M. D. Robinson tor the accused.