WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT

Philip Polkinghorne has been seen returning to his sister’s Auckland home in the suburb of Mission Bay just a few hours after being acquitted of the murder of his wife.

The former eye surgeon appeared very reluctant to comment further on the outcome of the eight-week trial in the High Court at Auckland which has gripped the nation.

He was seen exiting a silver Toyota with his sister, Ruth, at the top of a long driveway around 5.30pm today.

When Polkinghorne was asked about his feelings following the verdict, Ruth told a Herald reporter to: “**** off”.

Polkinghorne is understood to have been living at his sister’s Mission Bay home during much of the trial.

There had also been reports tonight that Polkinghorne had appeared at the Northern Club, just a block from the High Court, following the verdict.

The Northern Club is an exclusive club and landmark building covered by creeper next to Albert Park. Staff there would not comment on whether Polkinghorne had stopped in after his trial ended this afternoon.

Two receptionists the Herald spoke to said “That is not something I can comment on” and refused to confirm or deny Polkinghorne’s supposed visit.

• Sex, drugs and despair: Inside the Polkinghorne murder trial, which gripped the nation
• ‘Let Pauline rest in peace’: Polkinghorne not guilty of murdering wife
• Polkinghorne murder trial: Jury sent home, deliberations to resume next week
• Philip Polkinghorne trial: The jury is going out - what happens now?

Philip Polkinghorne returns to his sister's Mission Bay home after being acquitted of murder. Photo / NZ Herald

Immediate reaction to the verdict

Polkinghorne commented briefly outside court after receiving a not-guilty verdict for the murder and manslaughter of his wife.

For eight weeks jurors listened intently to evidence from the Crown who alleged Polkinghorne murdered his 63-year-old wife, Pauline Hanna, at their home in Remuera and arguments from the defence who claim she took her own life.

Jurors returned their verdict acquitting Polkinghorne this afternoon following 10 hours of deliberations, which stretched over two days.

Outside court, Polkinghorne told media: “Today’s outcome is a huge turning point in our lives.

Philip Polkinghorne leaves the High Court at Auckland after the not-guilty verdict. Photo / Dean Purcell

“We can now grieve and let Pauline rest in peace.”

Polkinghorne did not make any further comment.

The Crown prosecutor, Alysha McClintock, acknowledged the verdict and said she respected the jury’s decision.

“The evidence was there to be pieced together, but at the end of the day the jury has to assess that. It was hard for everybody. But circumstantial cases, by nature, have to be pieced together, this is the way things go.”

Polkinghorne’s lawyer, Ron Mansfield, made no comment and told the media: “That is enough, thank you”.

Pauline’s brother, Bruce Hanna, said outside court it was “not the decision we wanted”.

He thanked the police and prosecution for their dedication and hard work.

“We need to accept the decision and move on,” he said.

A close friend of Pauline, Pheasant Riordan, told media: “We think it’s a crap decision.”

“She was an amazing person. She didn’t deserve this end. We just loved her very much,” she said.

A close friend of Pauline Hanna, Pheasant Riordan, breaks down after Philip Polkinghorne was found not guilty of murdering his wife. He was also found not guilty of manslaughter. Photo / Dean Purcell

During the trial, prosecutors suggested Polkinghorne lashed out at Hanna while high on methamphetamine, possibly during an argument over the exorbitant amount he was spending on sex workers or a secret “double life” with high–profile Sydney escort Madison Ashton.

Ashton refused to give evidence at the Polkinghorne trial.

The Australia-based sex worker spent the trial travelling in Europe, following the Herald’s coverage of the trial.

Her response to today’s not guilty verdict was: “Unbelievable, unbelievable. I am shaking with shock.”

Ashton was on the Crown witness list but did not agree to appear.

The trial was told Polkinghorne had paid the escort more than $100,000 and that he was living a double life in a relationship with Ashton.

The family of Pauline Hanna speak to media outside the High Court. Photo / Dean Purcell

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Allan said police acknowledged and respected the decision of the jury today.

“The jury - they’ve had a particularly tough job, and some pretty confronting subject matter. In terms of where to from now, this a matter that is a coronial process. At this stage, in terms of the investigation, this is the end of the matter.

“As Mr Polkinghorne has a number of matters before the court, that is all I’ll say at this stage,” Allan said.

Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.