A man who represented himself in a nearly three-week long murder trial has been found guilty of killing 31-year-old Samuel Riley with an axe in Busselton in 2018.
The Supreme Court trial, presided over by Justice Stephan Hall, heard multiple testimonies from witnesses and forensic experts as well as the accused, Benjamin John Elliott.
Elliot maintained his innocence throughout the trial, including a lengthy closing statement during which he described Mr Riley as his friend.
Family members of Mr Riley hugged in the gallery of Busselton Supreme Court as the guilty verdict was read out by the foreman of the 12-person jury.
Elliott remained still, showing little emotion prior to be removed from the courtroom and into custody.
Justice Hall set down a sentencing date of February 5, 2021 in Perth, however made concession for a video link to be broadcast to Busselton on account of Mr Riley's family who may not have been able to attend.
Opening statements were read on October 21, with the court hearing DNA matching that of Elliott had been found in Mr Riley's unit prior to his body being found by a carer in October 30, 2018.
The court heard Mr Riley was found with multiple "chop-like" wounds to his head, consistent with those inflicted with a small axe which was later found in a nearby canal.
Elliott had initially told police he hadn't attended Mr Riley's unit, but recanted during his opening address, stating that he had lied to police because he didn't "talk to police."
However, in his opening address, he admitted to having been at Mr Riley's and that he had attempted to assist him inject the prescriptive drug, Suboxone.
However he denied any involvement in the murder.
