Caroline Byrne was 'love of my life': Gordon Wood tells court hearing
More than three years after he was acquitted of murdering Caroline Byrne, Gordon Wood described the model as the "love of his life" and admitted he doesn't know if he's over her.
Mr Wood gave evidence in court about Ms Byrne's 1995 death for the first time on Monday, as he sues the NSW state for wrongful imprisonment.
The former personal assistant to stockbroker Rene Rivkin choked back tears as he recounted the moment an attendant at the city morgue unzipped his girlfriend’s body bag.
Gordon Wood is suing the state. Picture: AAP
"She removed Caroline's hand from the bag and allowed me to hold her hand to say goodbye to Caroline," he said. "I did my best (but) I didn't feel comfortable doing it in front of the lady."
He denied asking to see any other part of Ms Byrne's body after a morgue attendant claimed he'd asked, "Do you mind if I see her tits?".
Caroline Byrne and Gordon Wood. Picture: 7 News
Mr Wood spent more than three years behind bars after being convicted of killing 24-year-old Ms Byrne by throwing her off a cliff at notorious Sydney suicide spot The Gap in June 1995.
His conviction was overturned in 2012 by the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal.
Now aged in his mid-50s, Wood is chasing compensation of up to $20 million in damages and costs on grounds including malicious prosecution and false imprisonment.
Model Caroline Byrne. Picture: 7 News
Mr Wood, who lives with his mother in South Australia, told the NSW Supreme Court he's on medication for depression and anxiety and hasn't worked since his 2006 arrest.
Asked in cross examination whether he felt he had ever got over Ms Byrne's death, Mr Wood replied: "I think so but I don't know. I hope so."
Mr Wood's sister Jackie Schmidt also appeared as a witness and said she didn't believe her brother had gotten over Ms Byrne's death.
Mr Wood (right) arrives at court. Picture: 7 News
"He's not the same person he was, he's fundamentally changed - his confidence and the way he approaches life," she said.
Ms Schmidt said her brother spent most of his time preparing for the current case and that she doesn't believe he ever wants to "do nothing with his life".
The hearing continues.
