Ivan Michael Antunovic is a New Zealand criminal defence lawyer.

Mike Antunovic
Born
Ivan Michael Antunovic
OccupationCriminal defence lawyer

High-profile cases edit

Olivia Hope and Ben Smart murder edit

Along with Greg King, Antunovic was co-defense counsel[1] for Scott Watson, who was charged with the double murder of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope. Watson was found guilty of the murders. On appeal, Antunovic and King failed to convince the Privy Council to overturn the conviction.

Death of Janet Moses by family members using exorcism edit

In 2007, 22-year-old Janet Moses died after members of her family poured water into her eyes and down her throat at a Wainuiomata flat. Antunovic, acting for the defense, argued (unsuccessfully) that instead of trying to commit a criminal offense, the defendants were in reality trying to help Moses. Five members of Moses' family were convicted of manslaughter.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ crime.co.nz The powerhouse legal teams involved in the trial of Scott Watson Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  2. ^ "Anger over manslaughter verdicts". One News / NZPA. 12 June 2009. Retrieved 25 October 2011.