THIS IS A VIDEO-RECORDED INTERVIEW BETWEEN DETECTIVE SENIOR CONSTABLE MAURICE BELL AND AJAY MEHTA OF THOMASTOWN CONDUCTED AT THE ST KILDA ROAD POLICE STATION ON SATURDAY 14th MAY AT 9.06AM. OTHER PERSONS PRESENT, MY CORROBORATOR, ACTING DETECTIVE SERGEANT PETER DAVIS.

Q1 So, Ajay, here we are again. Are you ready to speak?

A I wasn’t at home. On either weekend.

Q2 We know.

A I was in Shepparton.

Q3 Shepparton?

A Yes, sir. About two hours from Melbourne.

Q4 And what were you doing in Shepparton, Ajay?

A Visiting my wife, sir. My wife and daughter. They pick fruit up there. Well, my wife, Anjalee, does.

Q5 I thought you lived alone?

A I do. I am also earning money to support my family, sir. They live in Shepparton. Umm . . . my wife has . . . she has problems, visa problems. So does my daughter.

Q6 And the schools on your computer?

A For my daughter, sir, Githa. If we stay, if we can stay, she’s a bright girl. I like to look at scholarship information. To imagine.

Q7 And the syringes?

A Githa was sick. That was why I needed the syringes – for her antibiotics. They gave them to us at the hospital.

Q8 Your wife can verify this? What was her name? Lee?

A Anjalee, sir.

Q9 And Anjalee can verify this?

A Yes, sir. But please don’t tell the authorities, sir. Please. Anjalee couldn’t cope with a detention centre, we . . . couldn’t cope. Githa is only three and we would be separated and there is nothing for the children to do. Nothing. It is bleak, sir, no books, no toys. Nothing. Oh how did I get us in this situation? I am from a good family. Please, sir. Please just give us a chance . . .

Interview terminated at 9.11am.