Witness cross-examination to be set over murder charge against Keith Lees
Keith Lees faces days of witness examination after allegedly living under a fake identity for decades following his former partner Meaghan Rose’s 1997 death.
A man accused of murdering his former partner nearly 30 years ago had his matter mentioned in court, as several days of witness examinations loom.
Keith Lees had his matter mentioned in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on September 29 facing one charge of murder.
Mr Lees was extradited to Queensland in January this year after allegedly using a fake identity and living off government payments in New South Wales.
He has been charged over the alleged murder of Meaghan Louise Rose, who was found dead at the base of the Point Cartwright cliffs in Mooloolaba on July 18, 1997.
Mr Lees has not entered a plea.
Her death was originally deemed a suicide before an investigation was reopened by the Queensland Police Service homicide squad’s cold case team in 2022.
Duty lawyer Jamiee Burns mentioned the matter on Lees’ behalf, who did not appear in person.
She told the court consent has been obtained to cross-examine witnesses, which she estimated would take up to three days.
Ms Burns said there was a “substantial amount” of witnesses to cross-examine.
Magistrate Chris Callaghan adjourned the matter for committal mention to November 10, to view all material involved before allocating several days of the court to provide for cross-examination.
Mr Lees was remanded in custody.
