Madison Ashton to Potentially Testify in Coroner’s Inquest into Pauline Hanna’s Death

A former lover of Philip Polkinghorne, Madison Ashton, is set to give evidence at the coronial inquest into the death of Pauline Hanna, following the lifting of a name suppression order.

Madison Ashton, 50, is a potential witness in the coronial inquest into Pauline Hanna’s death. Photo / Michael Craig

Key Details of the Inquest

The coronial inquest into Pauline Hanna’s death is set to take place in August 2025. The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding her death, which occurred in 2021 at the Remuera mansion she shared with her husband, Philip Polkinghorne.

Coroner Tania Tetitaha presided over a pre-inquest conference in March, which outlined the scope and participants of the upcoming inquest. The current interested parties are Philip Polkinghorne and Pauline Hanna’s siblings, Bruce and Tracey Hanna.

Lawyer Emma Finlayson-Davis has been appointed to assist Ashton in preparing her evidence. The interim name suppression order relating to her involvement as a potential witness lapsed on May 26, allowing her name to be publicly disclosed.

Madison Ashton’s Role and Refusal to Testify

Ashton, who was in a relationship with Polkinghorne, refused to give evidence during his trial for the murder of his wife. However, she is now a potential witness in the coronial inquest. Her testimony could provide insight into Polkinghorne’s methamphetamine use, his plans to leave his wife and marry her, and the messages and videos she shared with him.

Ashton has previously claimed that the police investigation into Pauline Hanna’s death was mishandled. She stated that the authorities did not take her seriously and omitted crucial evidence she provided. She also expressed frustration that the police did not test Polkinghorne for drugs immediately after Hanna’s death or ensure robust forensic evidence.

Philip Polkinghorne’s Acquittal and the Crown’s Case

Philip Polkinghorne was acquitted of murdering his wife after an eight-week trial in the High Court. The Crown’s case was that Polkinghorne fatally strangled Hanna, staging it to look like a suicide. They argued that he was living a double life, obsessed with meth, and in a relationship with Ashton in Sydney.

Polkinghorne’s defense, on the other hand, claimed that Hanna had a history of mental health issues and was on depression medication. They argued that she tragically took her own life during a period of exhaustion from the pandemic response.

Personal Correspondence and Relationship Insights

The Herald has obtained personal correspondence, videos, and police interviews that confirm Polkinghorne was living a double life and actively planning a future with Ashton. They discussed marriage, buying a house, and having children.

Ashton described Polkinghorne as intelligent and having a dry wit. She admired the mature and avant-garde relationship he had with Pauline, and she believed she was in a relationship with someone on her level.

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

Ashton’s refusal to appear as a Crown witness during Polkinghorne’s trial drew significant media attention. While the trial was ongoing, she took a luxury cruise and visited various international destinations, including Morocco, London, Lisbon, and Athens.

Carolyne Meng-Yee, the investigative journalist who covered the Polkinghorne murder trial, has received several awards for her work, including Best Documentary at the Voyager Media Awards and Best Coverage of a Major News Event.

Looking Ahead

The coronial inquest into Pauline Hanna’s death is expected to provide further clarity into the circumstances surrounding her death. With Ashton now a potential witness, the inquest may reveal new information that was previously unexplored.