Queensland man convicted of helping wife's death
A Queensland man has been found guilty of encouraging and helping his wife to take her own life over a plot to use her life insurance money to build a religious commune.
Graham Robert Morant, 69, has been convicted by a Brisbane Supreme Court jury of aiding and counselling Jennifer Morant to kill herself on the Gold Coast in 2014.
Morant was the sole beneficiary of her three life insurance policies totalling $1.4 million when she took her own life in November that year.
Ms Morant lived with chronic back pain and found even the most simple everyday tasks difficult.
But Morant persuaded her over the months before her death by telling her the funds would go towards a commune where he would be the pastor.
Morant claimed to police Ms Morant wanted to die but two witnesses close to her testified she did not want to kill herself and was scared by his pressure on her to do so.
The jury deliberated for a day-and-a-half before reaching their verdict on Tuesday.
Anyone who needs support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
AAP
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