Rockliff seafood heir's lawyer seeks records on complainant's 'easy bruising'
The grandson of Petuna Seafoods' founders faces court over strangulation charges as his defence team pursues crucial medical evidence.
A lawyer acting for a member of the prominent Rockliff seafood family is seeking documents which may reveal whether the complainant in the Supreme Court of Tasmania case bruises easily.
Jonathan Vernon Rockliff, 41, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of strangulation alleged to have occurred near Launceston.
He has also pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault.
Mr Rockliff is the grandson of Peter and Una Rockliff, the founders of the world-renowned Petuna Seafoods.
Also known as Johnny Rockliff, his LinkedIn page lists him as general manager of Rockliff Seafoods at Mooloolaba in Queensland.
In the Supreme Court Mr Rockliff’s lawyer, Sydney-based David Quayle, appeared by video link and asked Justice Robert Pearce for documents from the Tasmania Health Service, Services Australia and the Department of Education, Children and Young People and from Tasmania Police.
Justice Pearce asked Mr Quayle to outline the basis of the document requests.
“We are instructed that the complainant in the proceedings has a medical condition that causes her to bruise easily,” Mr Quayle said.
“We may seek evidence from a doctor in relation to the condition.”
He said the documents would allow the defence to access a provider number and a “subpoena may be issued”.
Justice Pearce said he had a concern that it would result in access to medical records but ordered that Mr Quayle could inspect the records held by Service Australia.
Mr Quayle also sought access to an eight-page medico legal report held by the Tasmanian Health Service relating to the complainant authored in April 2023.
Justice Pearce made the order saying that he would inspect the documents himself before finalising the order.
Mr Quayle told the court that one of the complainants was a child.
He said he was seeking a statement from the individual who made a report to the authorities.
Justice Pearce asked Mr Quayle if he had approached prosecution for disclosure.
“I am not the solicitor with day to day carriage of the matter but I am happy to liaise with the Crown,” he said.
Justice Pearce said he was concerned that there were privileges in the act for communications between trusted persons. He said he would inspect the material.
“This is a conditional order which is not in effect until my associate gets back to you,” he said.
“That can be an inspect and copy order as well.”
The case was adjourned until December 12.
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Originally published as Rockliff seafood heir's lawyer seeks records on complainant's 'easy bruising'
