A Coroner’s Court asked the counsel for a couple who were last seen with Dutch model Ivana Esther Robert Smit before she was found dead at a condominium unit in Dang Wangi to leave the courtroom.
GM Tan, who was holding a watching brief for American Alex Johnson, 44, and his wife Luna, 31, had earlier told the court that he could not confirm whether the couple would be attending the proceedings.
Coroner Mahyon Talib said Tan had no business being there if his clients were not going to show up to testify despite being subpoenaed by the prosecution.
Mahyon also declined to accept a letter from the couple explaining their absence.
Tan had earlier apologised, saying his clients were not in the country. He said he had been informed that they would not be testifying today, but declined to confirm if they would be testifying at all in the eight-day inquest.
However, SN Nair, the special counsel holding a watching brief for Smit’s family, said the couple’s testimony was crucial to the inquest as they were the last people to meet with the model before her death on Dec 7.
“It is very irresponsible of them not to come today, but to engage a watching brief lawyer to attend on their behalf.
“Their absence only creates more suspicion in this case, and they now risk being the prime suspects in Smit’s death,” he said.
Adding that the Johnsons had given an exclusive interview to the UK’s Daily Mail, Nair said he had many questions for them as they had made a number of allegations concerning his client.
“They must take the stand. If they are not going to testify, then their special counsel has no business here. He is sitting behind me here and making me uncomfortable,” Nair said.
Mahyon then told Tan to leave, agreeing that he had no business attending the proceedings if he could not even confirm if his clients would be attending future inquest dates.
Earlier reports:
Aug 14, Police Unfairly Scolded Maid for Cleaning Dutch Model’s Condo
Aug 10, Noises from Couple’s Unit After Finding Ivana’s Body
Jun 5, Dutch Model’s Family Offering US$50K for Info on Her Death
Apr 2, Husband and Wife Admit to Threesome with Dead Dutch Model
Mar 9, Dutch Model Might Have Been Dead Before Fall from Balcony, Says PI
Feb 8, Footage Allegedly of Dutch Model Being Carried Out of KL Club Emerges
Feb 6, Private Detective Says Naked Dutch Teen Model’s Fall No Accident
Dec 29, Dutch Autopsies Show Injuries on Teen Model Inconsistent with Fall
Dec 20, Late Dutch Model’s Father Hospitalised, Police Investigation Ongoing
Dec 15, Seeking Justice for Dutch Model and the Truth of Her Death
Dec 12, Father of Dutch Model Suspects Foul Play in Her Death, Interpol to Investigate