Murder trial begins over 1988 disappearance

Christine King, who has been charged with the murder of Wayne Roycroft, was married to the victim for four years.

Wayne Roycroft was last seen alive 17 years ago.

His wife said he had gone to live in Australia, but his family reported him missing in June 1989 - seven months after his disappearance - and police launched an inquiry.

In May last year, that inquiry was reopened, and days later a concrete pad was dug up at the former couple's property at Waihou, 16km northeast of Morrinsville.

What was found in the garden is still a secret - but on Monday a murder trial begins in the High Court at Hamilton.

Facing the charge is 51-year-old Te Aroha beneficiary Christine King, who was married to Roycroft for about four years.

The case is set down for three weeks, and 21 prosecution witnesses will be called. King is represented by Judith Ablett-Kerr, QC.

After Roycroft's disappearance, King said he had left her and gone to Australia. She remarried and settled in Te Aroha.

But at a depositions hearing a year ago, it was alleged King had poisoned her husband. Roycroft - aged 35 when he went missing - was described at that hearing as a moody, irritable man who liked to drink.

A witness also claimed she once saw King slip something into Roycroft's beer.

The witness said King had explained that the substance was a sleeping pill, which she used with food and drink to calm her husband down.

Evidence was also given that a secondhand dealer had bought Roycroft's possessions soon after he went missing. King was alleged to have organised the sale.

Roycroft's brother, Brett, said he had turned up at the couple's property and noticed a dirty shovel in the back of their Triumph car.

Detective Senior Sergeant Glenn Dunbier confirmed to the Herald this week that Roycroft had not yet been declared dead. "He was a missing person up until King's arrest."

It would have to be proved during the trial that Roycroft was indeed dead, he said. A coroner's inquest was expected to be held after the trial.

17-YEAR MYSTERY

* About November 19, 1988: Wayne Roycroft goes missing from his home at Waihou.

* June 1989: Family report him missing; police launch inquiry.

* May 18, 2004. Police search the Waihou property after a tip-off.

* May 20, 2004: Roycroft's former wife, Christine King, is charged with his murder.

* November 2004: After depositions hearing, King is remanded on bail for trial.