Erotic story found on accused Claremont serial killer's computer has "striking" similarities to one of the sex attacks he's charged with, court hears
An erotic story found on a computer belonging to the accused Claremont serial killer has "striking" similarities to one of the sex attacks he's charged with, a court has heard.
Prosecutors want to use the piece, called "Chloe's Story", as evidence in the upcoming trial of Bradley Robert Edwards, arguing he penned it himself.
Written in the first person, the story allegedly makes reference to a "blitz attack" involving "hand cuffs", "hand towels in the mouth" and a "hood over the head".
Accused Claremont Killer Bradley Robert Edwards Supplied
Edwards, a former Telstra technician, is accused of abducting and raping a 17-year-old girl at Karrakatta Cemetery in what was argued are similar circumstances, in 1995.
At one point, it's claimed the story narrator says "you always remember your first... I remember my first with Chloe".
The Karrakatta attack is alleged to have been Edwards' first rape in a series of evolving, sexually-motivated crimes across Perth that prosecutors say culminated in the murders of three young women.
State Prosecutor Carmel Barbagallo says the material is "so unique and so unusual" it can't be a coincidence it was in his possession.
She also referred to a prison phone call, which allegedly points to Edwards being the author.
Jane Rimmer was a child care worker. The 23-year-old was killed sometime between 1996 and 1997. Supplied
But the defence argued the story shouldn't be included as evidence, because while there are some "common features", other parts are completely different.
Barrister Paul Yovich said that includes the apparent reference to the victim being held in a basement.
He also hinted the alleged DNA link to murder victim Ciara Glennon may be contested at trial, through possible arguments including innocent contact or contamination.
Bradley Edwards has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him and is due to stand trial on July 22.
THE PROSECUTION CASE: WHAT WE’VE HEARD SO FAR
1988 Huntingdale Sex Attack
- Court heard silk kimono left at scene had traces of semen matching Bradley Edwards’ DNA. Had been stolen from a washing line weeks earlier.
- Happened within one kilometre of Edwards’ family home.
1995 Karrakatta Sex Attack
Sarah Spiers was 18 when she disappeared. Her body has never been found. (Supplied) Supplied
- Prosecutors say Bradley Edwards’ DNA found on 17-year-old victim.
- Happened close to Hollywood Hospital, where Edwards was working at the time.
Sarah Spiers - Vanished January 1996
- “Blood curdling screams” heard in Mosman Park on the night she disappeared.
- Car similar to Bradley Edwards’ Telstra work van seen stopped on wrong side of Monument Street.
Jane Rimmer - Vanished June 1996
Jane Rimmer was a child care worker. The 23-year-old was killed sometime between 1996 and 1997. Supplied
- Court heard car seat fibres matching Edwards’ work vehicle found in her hair.
- Cause of death unknown, but had “defects” to neck.
- Telstra-issued knife found close to her Wellard bush grave. The same type of knives found in Bradley Edwards’ tool box when he was arrested.
Ciara Glennon - Vanished March 1997
- Prosecutors say Bradley Edwards’ DNA found under her finger nail.
- Throat had been cut.
- Car seat fibres matching Edwards’ work vehicle found in hair.
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