WA: Lang's lawyer accused of killing mining magnate

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2001
WA: Lang's lawyer accused of killing mining magnate

LANG HANCOCK's lawyer was today accused of killing his client by sending the millionaire's
wife ROSE to question him about a deed which effectively disinherited her.

The inquest into Mr HANCOCK's death in 1992 was also told he believed his wife had
a narcissistic disorder which made her prone to sudden rages if she did not get what she
wanted.

The court heard ex-HANCOCK lawyer MARTIN BENNETT told ROSE her husband had signed a
deed which diverted most of his money away from her.

Mr BENNETT admitted he knew Mr HANCOCK had been a desperately ill man when he sent
the then-Mrs HANCOCK to ask her husband about the deed.

PETER HAYES, acting for Mr HANCOCK's daughter GINA RINEHART, told Mr BENNETT his actions
had killed the old man.

Mr BENNETT defended his decision to tell the Mrs PORTEOUS of the deed, saying he had
been acting on the iron ore magnate's instruction to protect her interests.

The inquest continues.

AAP RTV lk/sd/jh/rp

KEYWORD: HANCOCK (PERTH)

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