Francesca Rudkin: Do we really need a docu-series about the Polkinghorne case?

The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

Over the past 9 weeks, the media and many in the country have been fixated on a court case that took place in Auckland.

I am, of course, talking about the trial of Philip Polkinghorne, a wealthy, retired eye surgeon with a desire for methamphetamine, sex workers and quirky socks, who was accused of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna. He was found not guilty on Monday.

The court case is over, thank goodness. I understand the media and public interest in this case due to its unique and scandalous nature – but I wish there had been less salivating. A woman is dead. Her personal life has been forensically picked apart, discussed and judged. Sometimes respectfully. Often not. The defence couldn’t even call her by the name she went by – Pauline Hanna – referring to her as Mrs Polkinghorne.

And now it’s all going to be re-hashed in a three part documentary series, funded by New Zealand on Air and screening at some point on ThreeNow.

I don’t know what this documentary series will deliver or reveal, or who it will feature; but I hope it’s doing more than just capitalising on a trial because it captured the nation’s attention.

True crime is a fascinating genre, whether it’s a podcast, a documentary or a book. We’re endlessly intrigued about what drives people to do bad things, and how they’re treated by the law and justice system.

But there is also a fine line between examining the facts and revealing something meaningful, and preying on a victim’s tragedy for entertainment’s sake.

I hope there is no rush to release this docu-series. It needs to add further context and reveal more than what has been thoroughly covered in the media already. There is still a coronial inquest to come which will no doubt add to the conversation. Timing is also an issue. Respect must be shown to the victim and grieving family and friends who will still be coming to terms with the verdict.

There is a place for true crime documentaries. They can be a powerful way to tell cautionary tales, and question our justice system and treatment of victims.

The Lie: The Murder of Grace Millane, currently screening on Netflix, is an excellent example of this, and a must see. The documentary takes us behind the scenes with footage of the police investigation, reveals the deluded lies of the accused, examines the way the victim was represented in court, and demands the end of the rough sex defence.

It's a true crime story that focuses on the facts, adds context to the story, and reveals new information through its interviews. Most importantly, it was made with the blessing of Grace’s mother.

I hope Pauline Hanna’s family are given the same consideration. Regardless of whether you feel justice has been served or not, Pauline Hanna deserves to rest in peace.

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