Trip to interview writer over mother's death not ruled out

Patricia Davison and Sean Davison. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Police investigating a writer's claims he helped his terminally ill mother die may travel to South Africa to interview him.

Sean Davison published a book last year about his 85-year-old mother's final days, without disclosing the role he played after she summoned him home to help her die.

A copy of his original manuscript, given anonymously to the Herald on Sunday, contains incriminating details deleted from the final version.

Before We Say Goodbye revealed Patricia Davison died in Dunedin in 2006, hours after her son gave her a "lethal drink of crushed morphine tablets" dissolved in a glass of water.

Davison has verified its authenticity, and said he did not fear police charges.

Detective Senior Sergeant Steve McGregor last week confirmed some of Patricia Davison's doctors and a family member had been spoken to.

"I have had a summary report with regards to [Patricia's] general cancer care and there is no issue about her being terminally ill. She was definitely dying and made a decision not to take treatment. She was going to be incurable in that respect."

He was unwilling to speak to Davison until other avenues of the inquiry were wrapped up.

"The difficulty is that he is in South Africa and to talk to him he'd essentially have to cooperate," he said.

"I suspect he will, to be honest. If he agreed we would look to do it in a formal way."

McGregor said New Zealand and South Africa had no extradition treaty, so Davison could not be ordered home for an interview with police.

It was possible officers would travel to see him, or Davison could come home voluntarily.

"But there's a long way to go. We have to establish if there is evidence to charge someone and is that appropriate in the circumstances."

He would not be drawn on the possibility Davison would not be charged but said the result of the investigation was "completely open".

Davison did not respond to an email requesting comment.

anna.leask@hos.co.nz