Craig Rumsby: Defence closing address to Michelle Bright’s murder trial

As the end of a central west teenage girl’s murder trial draws closer, the defence has made its closing address, stating there is “no evidence” which points to the accused. Read the latest.

The defence is nearing the end of Michelle Bright’s murder trial.

Nearing the end of Michelle Bright’s murder trial, the defence reiterated to the jury there is “no evidence” that the accused is the responsible killer of the teenage girl more than two decades ago.

On Wednesday, a jury at the Dubbo Supreme Court heard defence barrister Nicholas Broadbent’s final closing statements saying Craig Rumsby did not attempt to rape an 18-year-old woman in 1998 before killing Ms Bright the following year.

The 56-year-old central west man has remained faithful to his not guilty plea to murdering then 17-year-old Ms Bright and attempted rape of the 18-year-old girl in Gulgong.

Mr Broadbent said the defence found “doubt” in the prosecution’s admissions saying “there is no evidence that indicates the accused” is guilty.

Nearing the end of Michelle Bright’s murder trial, the defence reiterated to the jury there is ‘no evidence’ Craig Rumsby is the responsible killer of the teenage girl. Picture: 9 News

There is “no evidence placing Mr Rumsby in town of Gulgong that night,” Mr Broadbent told the court.

Even though Rumsby confessed his guilt and provided statements to undercover operatives, Mr Broadbent told the court Rumsby denied being involved with the murder 24 times prior to his confession.

In his closing address, Mr Broadbent said Rumsby found out about the disappearance and death of Ms Bright on the local news – she was killed in the early hours of February 27, 1999.

Mr Broadbent asked the jurors to question the “truthfulness” of Rumsby’s confessions to undercover operatives, saying he was “promised a lavish lifestyle”.

Before he made a confession, Rumsby said that “I swear on my dad and mum’s grave I did not do that to Michelle,” and other remarks like “I didn’t kill no one”.

Ms Bright’s body was found on March 2, 1999, with her shirt over her bra, and pants and underwear pulled to her ankles.

Mr Broadbent said that Rumsby told undercover police that she wore a long skirt and a blouse – not pants or a shirt.

“What does that say to you about the reliability of the admissions … he did not know her clothing,” the court heard.

Before his arrest on August 11, 2020, Rumsby described how he “punched” Ms Bright in the face thinking she was a man who he had an altercation with at the pub.

Mr Broadbent is expected to finish his statement tomorrow.

The trial continues before acting Justice Robert Allan Hulme.