Court sketch of accused man Bradley Robert Edwards.
Camera IconCourt sketch of accused man Bradley Robert Edwards. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Claremont accused ‘lied about night’

AAPWestern Suburbs Weekly

THE accused Claremont serial killer stood up his sick friend on the night the third victim was taken, claiming he tried to reconcile with his first wife, but she says it never happened.

Former Telstra technician Bradley Robert Edwards, 50, is accused of murdering secretary Sarah Spiers, 18, child care worker Jane Rimmer, 23, and lawyer Ciara Glennon, 27, after they spent nights out in 1996 and 1997.

Former colleague Murray Cook, 55, struck up a friendship with Edwards when the accused gave him a lift home in September 1995 and they bonded over pool.

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Explosive first week of Claremont trial

“It came about in conversation through our time together that he was separated and that’s all I know,” Mr Cook testified in the Western Australia Supreme Court on Friday.

He told the court he and his wife went to Dawesville for a holiday in March 1997 after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and invited Edwards to spend a Friday night.

But he did not arrive until 11am the following morning.

“I said words to the effect of ‘what the hell? You were supposed to be here’,” Mr Cook said.

Victims Ciara Glennon, Sarah Spiers and Jane Rimmer.
Camera IconVictims Ciara Glennon, Sarah Spiers and Jane Rimmer. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“He said ‘I was trying to reconcile with my wife’.”

When asked how it went, Edwards shook his head.

Prosecutors allege Edwards arrived late because he murdered Ms Glennon that night.

Claremont accused’s wife ‘feared for life’

His first wife, whose identity is suppressed, testified earlier this week that he never spoke about their separation and did not ask her to return.

She said she suggested sorting out their marriage after she returned to the matrimonial home and had sex with Edwards, despite having moved in with her new lover, but he did not respond.

Mr Cook also told the court he worked with Edwards at Dumas House on January 27, 1996 – just hours after the former Little Athletics coach allegedly murdered Ms Spiers.

Police continue their forensic investigation at the Kewdale home of Bradley Robert Edwards. Paul Kane/Getty Images
Camera IconPolice continue their forensic investigation at the Kewdale home of Bradley Robert Edwards. Paul Kane/Getty Images Credit: Supplied/Getty Images

He said he arrived at work that day with Edwards but could not recall who drove.

Defence counsel Paul Yovich attempted to cast doubt on Mr Cook’s recollection of events, saying records showed the only work station wagon he recalled Edwards having – registered 9GP 082 – was not registered until April 1996.

Mr Cook believed Edwards was driving it on that first lift home.

“Events, even important events, are not easy to remember 20 years later,” the barrister said.

Mr Cook also said Edwards did not drink much and he only ever saw him overdo it at a New Year’s Eve party.

But Edwards’ close friend and best man at his second wedding, Paul Luff, testified on Thursday he and Mr Cook drank “quite a bit” together while the accused appeared to be depressed about his first marriage breakdown.