Rohen James Hanson found guilty of murdering Dee Annear in Bulga Forest

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a day ago

A jury has unanimously found a man guilty of murdering his partner in a remote hut on the New South Wales Mid North Coast.
Rohen James Hanson, 42, was tried in the Supreme Court in Newcastle for the murder of Dee Annear, 34.
Ms Annear's body was found outside a logger's cabin in Bulga Forest on September 18, 2021.
The pair, who lived together in Wingham, west of Taree, had been on camping at what they called the "witch's hut".
Throughout the trial the court heard that the relationship between the pair was marred by domestic violence and alcohol abuse.
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An autopsy report found Ms Annear died from blunt force trauma at about 12am on September 18, 2021.
She sustained skull, rib, jaw and nose fractures, lung lacerations and a strangulation injury.
The trial heard Hanson told triple-0 operators, first responders and investigating officers that Ms Annear had succumbed to injuries sustained in a car crash the night before.
But Hanson later recanted that claim in a second police interview after he was arrested on September 21.
In a recording played for the jury Hanson was heard telling police Ms Annear had instigated a fight with him back at the cabin after he crashed their car alone.
He said he tackled her into a wall after she attacked him with a beer bottle.
It was the second time Hanson was tried for Ms Annear's murder.
In April 2024 jurors failed to reach a verdict.
At the commencement of proceedings Hanson attempted to plead not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, which the prosecution rejected.
The jury began deliberating at 10:40am on Tuesday morning and concluded at 2pm on Wednesday.
Justice Ian Harrison thanked the jurors for their work and close attention.
Hanson will return to the Supreme Court in Newcastle for sentencing on September 5.