Markets 
A man who was tracked by police across Australia over the alleged murder of his ex-partner has appeared in court before a two-day hearing to cross-examine a dozen witnesses.
Keith Lees, 72, stands accused of killing Victorian woman Meaghan Louise Rose, who was found dead at the base of Point Cartwright Cliffs at Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast in July 1997.
On the last day the 25-year-old Rose was seen alive, she had gone to the Maroochydore RSL with Lees. Lees was 19 years older than Rose when they were together.
He appeared in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where he was represented by barrister Simon Lewis.
Crown prosecutor Sarah Dennis told the court Lees had been living with Rose at the time of her death, which was initially determined to be a suicide.
She said Lees told police Rose had been exhibiting behaviour that seemed as if she was depressed, but other people who knew her and saw her on July 17, 1997, told police she had not been displaying suicidal or depressive behaviour.
The court heard Lees told police that on the night of July 17, Rose had told him she was going to see a friend, and did not return home.
He did not look for Rose, Dennis told the court, and he tried unsuccessfully to phone her at 11.30pm.
An autopsy found Rose had injuries consistent with having fallen from Point Cartwright, the court heard. She had alcohol in her system.
Lees’ child from a previous relationship, Wren Dawnsong, gave evidence on Wednesday morning, and was cross-examined by Lees’ barrister.
Dawnsong confirmed they had given multiple statements to police over the years.
“Your father had told you what not to say on that occasion and that you felt pressured speaking to Maroochydore police?”
Dawnsong answered: “Correct.”
When asked about making another statement to police, Dawnsong said: “I was scared. He had put the fear of god in me and I remained scared for years.”
Dennis said police investigations in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2022 and 2023 established there was a life insurance policy for $250,000 on Rose’s life, and Lees was the beneficiary.
The terms of the policy said suicide would not be covered until 13 months had elapsed, the court heard.
“Ms Rose died only 13 months and three weeks after taking out the policy,” Dennis told the court.
Lees’ arrest came after Queensland cold case detectives announced a $500,000 appeal in 2023. At the time, police said it centred on that life insurance policy.
Dennis told the court Lees gave differing accounts over the years of what happened that night, and his and Rose’s movements.
Dennis said when Lees was finally contacted by police in June 2023, officers arranged for him to do an interview the following day, but he fled.
More to come
Cloe Read is the crime and court reporter at Brisbane Times.Connect via X or email.From our partners
Read the full article here
