I didn’t see a body: friend

By Narelle Coulter
THERE was no unusual odor in the garage where murdered Pakenham millionaire Michael Griffey’s decomposing body allegedly lay on New Year’s Eve 2005, according to a guest at a celebration at the house that night.
Griffey family friend, Shannon Meakins, was the only person to enter the garage that evening.
He told the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court yesterday that he found it “weird” that Mr Griffey’s Monaro was in the garage with the boot open.
Inside the boot Mr Meakins saw an open briefcase with a clear plastic money bag inside.
Also open was a safe in the back of the garage in which the Griffeys stored cash.
Mr. Griffey’s wife, Diane, is accused of murdering her husband on the 29 December, 2005.
His body was found in the garage on 2 January by Mrs Griffey and one of her daughters.
Mr Griffey died from several severe blows to the side of his head.
A murder weapon has not been established.
Mrs Griffey has denied any involvement in her husband’s death.
Earlier in the committal proceedings, an entomologist said bug activity at the crime scene meant the body must have been in the garage on 31 December.
However, Mr. Meakins and several other guests at the party reported nothing unusual, agreeing it was a relaxed evening of drinking, tennis and swimming.
When pressed by prosecution counsel Boris Kayser, Mr Meakins, who was 16 at the time of the party, said he had consumed four cans of bourbon, possibly more, before entering the garage.
Mr and Mrs Griffey had separated 12 months earlier with Mr Griffey moving to the family home at San Remo.
The court heard of a volatile relationship between the couple, including domestic violence.
Mr Griffey also had a string of girlfriends.
His best mate, Darren Delaland, said in a statement to police that Mr Griffey had relationships with four other women to his knowledge including one woman who worked for the Griffeys when they ran a limousine business.
He also met women on the internet and kept a second phone to take calls from women.
Mr Delaland also testified Mr Griffey was sleeping with Mrs Griffey in the lead up to his death.
Defence lawyer Chris Dane asked the court to note that Mr Delaland’s statement contained hearsay.
The court also heard of financial difficulties the Griffeys were experiencing.
Witnesses said Mr Griffey blamed his wife for mismanaging their finances.
The couple ran a plaster carting business from their Pakenham property.
Mr Griffey also told witnesses that he feared his wife was suffering from bi-polar disorder.
Other witnesses, however, testified that the relationship between the couple was amicable in the months before Mr Griffey’s death.
Mr Griffey was described as a “straight shooter” who adored his children and loved fast cars.
The Griffey family had six or seven luxury cars and in the months before his death Mr Griffey had entered into a lease or higher purchase arrangement for a $120,000 BMW for his wife.
The hearing before magistrate Paul Smith was expected to conclude today (Thursday).