Polkinghorne deleted sex worker photos when he became a suspect
Philip Polkinghorne testified at an inquest into his wife's death, explaining that he deleted photos of sex workers from his phone because he felt embarrassed and betrayed after learning he was a suspect. He maintained his innocence regarding the 2021 death of Pauline Hanna.
Why it matters
The testimony provides insight into the legal and personal complexities surrounding a high-profile criminal case and the subsequent inquest process.
<p>Philip Polkinghorne says he began to delete photos and data on his phone from sex worker Madison Ashton when he realised he was the "prime suspect" in his wife's death.</p> <p><b>By Rowan Quinn of </b><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/crime-and-justice/961996/philip-polkinghorne-deleted-sex-worker-photos-when-he-realised-he-was-a-suspect-in-wife-s-death" target="_blank"><b>RNZ</b></a></p> <p>He told a coroner he felt "betrayed" by the police who had been interviewing him for several hours before a defence lawyer friend called him to tell he was likely a suspect.</p> <p>Polkinghorne was found not guilty two years ago of the 2021 murder of Pauline Hanna and was giving evidence today at an <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/08/02/inquest-to-ask-how-pauline-hanna-philip-polkinghornes-wife-died/" target="_blank">inquest</a> into her death.</p> <p>He did not testify during the trial.</p> <p>His lawyer, Ron Mansfield, asked him to explain why he had deleted pictures and data from his phone after Hanna's death.</p> <p>"It was embarrassing.
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