A science professor has returned to New Zealand to face trial for allegedly attempting to murder his 85-year-old mother in October 2006.
Sean Davison flew back into New Zealand from South Africa on Tuesday morning. Though he was born and raised in New Zealand, he now lives and works in South Africa. He lectures in biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape, and heads a forensic DNA unit that helps resolve apartheid era human rights crimes.
A letter of guarantee from the university's chancellor, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, persuaded a judge to allow Davison to leave New Zealand while he awaited trial.
The 50-year-old has a South African partner, Raine Pan, and the couple have two sons. The family remained in Cape Town as he returned home to face trial and, if convicted, a possible prison sentence.
As he came through Christchurch International Airport, a pale and hollow-cheeked Davison made it clear he would not discuss the case. He said, however, voluntary euthanasia was "one of the greatest challenges facing humanity", and he welcomed discussion about it. The NZ Listener has a major story on the issue out tomorrow.
