CRUISE SHIP DEATH--DIANNE BRIMBLE'S PERPS COULD FACE MURDER

UPDATE ON DIANNE BRIMBLE CASE

(Source)--February 16, 2007--The counsel assisting the inquest into the death of Dianne Brimble has suggested to the coroner that two men could be charged with murder over the Brisbane woman's death.

Following expert medical evidence from Dr David Caldicott today, counsel assisting the coroner Ron Hoenig told Glebe Coroner's Court that two of the men of interest, Mark Wilhelm and Leo Silvestri, could have committed an act which constitutes murder. Mr Hoenig also said another of the eight men of interest, Petar Pantic, could be considered an accessory.


Mrs Brimble died on board the Pacific Sky cruise ship in September 2002 from a toxic combination of alcohol and the date-rape drug fantasy shortly after having sex with Mr, Wilhelm. Dr Caldicott told the court it was suspicious the two men dressed Mrs. Brimble before calling medical assistance when she would have been in cardio-respiratory arrest in their cabin.


"The definition of murder includes an omission or act with reckless indifference to human life as well as an act or omission with intent to cause grievous bodily harm," Mr. Hoenig said. "It could well be contended that the failure, specifically by Silvestri and Wilhelm, to call medical assistance for whatever reason is an act or omission with reckless indifference to human life, which could constitute murder."


Mr. Hoenig said as Mr. Wilhelm and Mr. Silvestri had consulted Mr. Pantic on Mrs Brimble's condition "he may well be regarded as an accessory to the acts of Silvestri and Wilhelm". "They and their legal representatives need to consider their client's position at this stage."


Today was the final day of the current session of the inquest which Deputy State Coroner Jacqueline Milledge said she hoped to conclude in July. Ms Milledge said if the case was to be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions she would do so following the three-week sitting in July. Mr Wilhelm is yet to appear at the inquest, but is likely to be called up in July while several of the other men of interest are expected to be recalled.


In evidence today, Dr Caldicott said Mrs Brimble could well have been given a second larger dose of fantasy after an initial smaller dose had worn off. He told the court it was easy to overdose on the drug if you were not a regular user. In his role in the emergency department of Royal Adelaide Hospital he said he had seen users collapse within half an hour of ingesting fantasy. "The idea of somebody dressing somebody who is in cardio-respiratory arrest prior to implementing medical assistance is extraordinary and suspicious," Dr Caldicott said. The inquest was adjourned until July 9.