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Bali police death: David Taylor changes statement involving Sara Connor

Bali: British DJ David Taylor has changed his statement to "I don't remember" in key areas relating to the involvement of Australian Sara Connor in events surrounding the death of a police officer on Kuta beach.

The couple have both been formally named suspects over the death of police officer and father-of-two Wayan Sudarsa.

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Bali murder accused re-enact scene

Sara Connor and David Taylor restage events leading up to the death of Bali police officer Wayan Sudarsa.

Police said they would file the case documents with the prosecutor's office on Monday.

"We are confident with the evidence collected to name the two suspects in the (possible) crimes of (unpremeditated) murder or group attack or assault that leads to death," said Denpasar crime investigation chief Reinhard Habonaran Nainggolan.

However Ms Connor, a businesswoman and mother-of-two from Byron Bay, insists she is innocent and was trying to separate Mr Taylor and Mr Sudarsa as they fought in the sand in the early hours of August 17.

During a so-called "confrontation" on Friday, at which the couple at times held hands across the table, they were quizzed over differences in the statements they had given to police.

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One of Mr Taylor's lawyers, Yan Erick Sihombing, said the British man had "amended some of his statement" to reflect the fact that he had been in a panicked state and couldn't remember clearly what had happened.

He had earlier claimed, for example, that Ms Connor had told him she had hit Mr Sudarsa after he bit her while the three were wrestling on the beach.

David Taylor and Sara Connor during the "confrontation", when they were questioned about discrepancies in their statements.
David Taylor and Sara Connor during the "confrontation", when they were questioned about discrepancies in their statements.  Photo: Amilia Rosa

"Before the confrontation, he said Sara told him that [she hit Mr Sudarsa] after they got back to the homestay. But now, after the confrontation, he said: 'Maybe … I forgot'. He was in a panicked state, he was scared, he only remembers now," Mr Sihombing said.

Mr Taylor changed his statement that Ms Connor told him she had hit the officer. "He said he can't remember Sara told him that. Sara also said she never told him that," the lawyer said.

At points during the "confrontation", Sara Connor held David Taylor's hand across the table.
At points during the "confrontation", Sara Connor held David Taylor's hand across the table. Photo: Amilia Rosa

Mr Taylor had also earlier claimed that Ms Connor had burned the bloodied clothes the couple had worn on the night of the police officer's death.

"But he said just now: 'Maybe Sara's match wouldn't light up. So I took the match and it was me who lit the fire to burn the clothes. Maybe (before) I wasn't remembering clearly'."

David Taylor, right, and  Sara Connor during Wednesday's re-enactment of the killing of police officer Wayan Sudarsa at ...
David Taylor, right, and Sara Connor during Wednesday's re-enactment of the killing of police officer Wayan Sudarsa at Kuta beach. Photo: AP

However the Denpasar crime investigation chief said Mr Taylor and Ms Connor both remained suspects.

"The bite wounds on her are consistent with the victim fighting back and defending himself," Mr Nainggolan said.

David Taylor and Sara Connor kiss  after the  Wednesday's re-enactment was completed.
David Taylor and Sara Connor kiss after the Wednesday's re-enactment was completed. Photo: Supplied

He said the bite on Ms Connor's inner left thigh was consistent with her sitting on top of the police officer and the bite on her hand matched with her position during the crime reconstruction last week, when she had allegedly tried to choke the victim.

Ms Connor faces a subsidiary charge of aiding or abetting, which would see her receive a lesser sentence if found guilty.

Slain Bali police officer Wayan Sudarsa, whose body was found on the beach.
Slain Bali police officer Wayan Sudarsa, whose body was found on the beach. Photo: Supplied

Mr Nainggolan said the prosecutor would now have 14 working days to review the case, which could be extended for another 40 days.

"It's now up to the prosecutors to review the documents," Mr Nainggolan said. "We are confident we have completed the documents but now it's up to the prosecutor."

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