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A couple accused of murdering a teenage girl did so because they wanted custody of a child, a court has heard.
Robert, 64, and Anna Jeeves, 63, were arrested and charged with murder in 2022 after the reward in the pending case of Amber Hay’s death was increased to $1 million.
The 19-year-old mother disappeared while living with the retired couple at their property in Harden, New Wales, in 2002.
Hay, who had an intellectual disability, was in a sexual relationship with Robert.
Crown prosecutor Paul Kerr today said the Geeveses killed Hay to gain custody of a five-month-old child.
“It was always the Jeeves’ intention to take custody and care of the child, but they knew Amber had to be removed from the equation,” he said.
The defense denied these allegations.
“Both defendants must have foreseen that such action would result in the child being removed from their care at the slightest suspicion,” said public defender Paul Coady, acting for Robert.
“Ann’s only concern was taking care of the child Robert had brought into their own relationship, whether she was happy about it or not, she didn’t kill Haye and she didn’t stand by while her husband killed her,” public defender Michael King adds that he is acting for Anne.
The couple claimed they last saw Hay in June 2002 when they drove her to Campbelltown train station to visit her dying father in hospital.
They didn’t report her missing until two weeks later.
Hay’s body was never found.
Her mother is among the list of witnesses to take the stand at the trial, which has been adjourned for eight weeks.
The court will also hear secret tapes planted by police in Geeves’ home and car.
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