THE former girlfriend of a man accused of a double murder has agreed under cross-examination that a "raunchy" photo of her was sent to her then boyfriend after his arrest, the Supreme Court heard today.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Crown witness Sally Anne Mayer, 40, confirmed to jurors that Marco Daniel Rusterholz had requested a photograph of her during a telephone call from Risdon Prison.
Defence counsel Evan Hughes asked Ms Mayer if she had agreed to give him "a raunchy one" and Ms Mayer said that was correct.
Ms Mayer also confirmed that she organised two women to take the photo, including one with the nickname of "Panda".
She agreed that the picture was sent to Mr Rusterholz but was "far from raunchy" in order to pass the prison checking system.
Mr Hughes also asked Ms Mayer about what she said towards the end of the phone call, before the time limit for prison phone calls was reached.
"You're saying 'I love you' eight to 10 times, as fast as you can?" he asked.
Ms Mayer agreed that was correct.
Mr Hughes also cross-examined Ms Mayer about another phone call she received from Mr Rusterholz while he was in prison, on October 25, 2012.
"You began suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder?" he asked.
Ms Mayer confirmed that was right.
"You told Mr Rusterholz that was because of the way you had been treated by Tasmania Police?" Mr Hughes asked.
Ms Mayer said that was correct.
She also confirmed that the police treatment of her related to the case and how she had been denied a lawyer.
Crown prosecutor John Ransom re-examined Ms Mayer and asked her about her remaining in contact with Mr Rusterholz.
She replied that she had loved the accused and did not want to believe what was happening, but ceased contact with him about December 2012.
The third week of the Launceston trial of Mr Rusterholz, 51, continues .
He has pleaded not guilty to the murders of Angela Maree Hallam, 31, and Joshua Eric Newman, 21, a couple whose stabbed, burnt remains were found in a unit fire in Pioneer Parade, Ravenswood, on August 15, 2012.