Trial of Robert and Anne Geeves for Amber Haigh's Disappearance Begins in NSW

The New South Wales Supreme Court is currently hearing the case of Robert and Anne Geeves, both 64, who are on trial for the alleged murder of Amber Haigh, who disappeared in June 2002. Haigh, who had an intellectual disability, was just 19 years old when she vanished, leaving behind her five-month-old son. The prosecution claims that the Geeveses deliberately impregnated Haigh and subsequently killed her to take custody of her child. The last confirmed sighting of Haigh was with Robert Geeves in the town of Young on June 2, 2002. During the trial, defense attorney King argued that the investigation was tainted by a "presumption of guilt" against the Geeveses, stemming from Robert's troubled past, including a former girlfriend's death and the discovery of missing schoolgirls on his property. King contended that these factors led police to focus solely on the couple, neglecting other potential leads in the case. He emphasized that the prosecution's case is inconsistent and lacks solid evidence. King expressed regret that it took two decades for the case to reach trial, highlighting the emotional toll on both Haigh's family and the Geeveses, who have lived under suspicion for years. Justice Julia Lonergan noted that if a jury were present, she would likely grant a motion to discharge them based on the defense's arguments. The trial is being conducted without a jury, with the judge presiding over the proceedings.