[MSN] Australia. A WOMAN accused of forging paintings by an Aboriginal artist yesterday admitted lying on oath about part of her evidence.

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'I lied', says woman accused of forgery
Kate Hagan 
November 1, 2007 

A WOMAN accused of forging paintings by an Aboriginal artist yesterday
admitted lying on oath about part of her evidence.

In court this week, Pamela Liberto, 65, denied that she had shown her son
Julian, 36, five Rover Thomas paintings she claims she inherited from her
father. Liberto said Julian "might have" seen the paintings in her home but
he had spent most of his life in England and rarely visited.

Yesterday, prosecutor Kevin Doyle told Liberto that customs checks revealed
her son had been in Australia between 2003 and 2006, during which time his
parents sold four supposed Thomas paintings through auction houses for more
than $300,000.

Liberto was again asked why her son had not seen the paintings during visits
to their home.

She replied: "This is hard what I am going to say. Yesterday I told a lie
about my son (not) knowing about the paintings."

Judge Roland Williams told Liberto she should be aware that she was not
obliged to say anything that may incriminate her.

Liberto continued, telling the court she was sorry for lying but did so to
protect her son. "When we got arrested my son asked would I not bring him
into the court because he wanted to distance himself from it because he's
not involved in this . and I honoured his wishes."

Asked by the judge why her son was worried about giving evidence, Liberto
said he was worried about any publicity affecting his career and personal
life.

Liberto and her husband are on trial in the County Court over allegations
they forged and sold four paintings, supposedly by renowned Aboriginal
artist Rover Thomas, to receive more than $300,000. They are also accused of
trying to sell a further two paintings they claimed were by the artist, one
of which they say they bought at a market.

The case continues.


This story was found at:
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2007/10/31/1193618976065.html