RELEASE: (From Alana House: Editor: 'Justice for Kathleen Folbigg): "The team at Justice For Kathleen Folbigg were both elated and disappointed by the announcement today that a second inquiry would be held into her convictions.
We are elated to finally receive a response from Attorney-General Mark Speakman. We are disappointed that Speakman chose to call for another costly inquiry when the evidence is clear that Kathleen's children carried fatal genetic mutations.
His decision to only reference Kathleen's ex-husband Craig and his family's trauma in his statement also shows a blatant disregard for the suffering that Kathleen has endured.
The announcement follows a petition to the Governor of NSW that called for Kathleen Folbigg's immediate pardon and release.
The petition was endorsed by the Australian Academy of Science and supported by more than 150 scientists, including Nobel laureates professors Elizabeth Blackburn and Peter Doherty. It argued that fresh genetic evidence showed that 'has been wrongfully incarcerated because the justice system has failed her'.
It took Speakman 14 months to respond to the petition. Here is the full statement he released this afternoon:
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PASSAGE OF THE DAY FROM ATTORNEY GENERAL SPEAKMAN'S STATEMENT:
"The petition refers to developments in genetic science in respect of the CALM2 genetic mutation found in Sarah and Laura Folbigg. Among other grounds, the petition argues this has provided an updated cause of death for both Sarah and Laura. Although the original 2018-2019 inquiry was aware of the mutation, there was no completed study as to the functional effects of that mutation at that time. Such a study has now been completed. Notwithstanding that Ms Folbigg has already had numerous attempts to clear her name, this new evidence, and its widespread endorsement by scientists, cannot be ignored."
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THE FULL STATEMENT:
"The Governor has appointed recently retired Chief Justice, the Hon Thomas Bathurst AC QC, to conduct the inquiry.
In 2003, Ms Folbigg was convicted of the homicides of her children Caleb, Patrick, Sarah and Laura following a trial by jury. On appeal, the Court of Criminal Appeal imposed a total sentence of 30 years' imprisonment with a non-parole period of 25 years.
In addition, this matter has seen several unsuccessful appeals to the Court of Criminal Appeal, a number of applications to the High Court, the 2018-2019 inquiry, and in relation to that inquiry's findings, a discontinued application for special leave to the High Court following a judicial review by the Court of Appeal.
The deaths of Caleb, Patrick, Sarah and Laura have caused immeasurable and continuing grief to their family and the community. I have written to Ms Folbigg's legal representatives to advise them of the decision. I have also again spoken with their father Craig Folbigg to inform him about today's decision; I am deeply sorry that yet again he and his family will have to re-visit their nightmare.
Since the inquiry in 2018-2019 conducted by the Hon Reginald Blanch AM QC, a fresh petition has sought the exercise of the Royal prerogative of mercy to grant Ms Folbigg a pardon.
The petition refers to developments in genetic science in respect of the CALM2 genetic mutation found in Sarah and Laura Folbigg. Among other grounds, the petition argues this has provided an updated cause of death for both Sarah and Laura.
Although the original 2018-2019 inquiry was aware of the mutation, there was no completed study as to the functional effects of that mutation at that time. Such a study has now been completed. Notwithstanding that Ms Folbigg has already had numerous attempts to clear her name, this new evidence, and its widespread endorsement by scientists, cannot be ignored.
However, I declined to recommend to Her Excellency that she pardon Ms Folbigg. Ms Folbigg's representatives contend that the new scientific evidence is compelling. However Ms Folbigg has been unsuccessful in numerous public proceedings to date and there is a need for fairness and transparency to all. Against that backdrop, it would not be appropriate for the Governor now simply to grant a pardon, or (for example) for the Governor or me to receive private briefings from experts with a view to considering granting a pardon, without that evidence being scrutinised independently in a public forum. Only a transparent, public and fair inquiry can provide a just resolution of the doubt or question raised by that new evidence.
I thank Mr Tim Game SC, Ms Joanna Davidson and Ms Kathleen Heath for their advice and assistance in this matter.
Ms Folbigg continues to serve her sentence of imprisonment. At the conclusion of the inquiry, Mr Bathurst will prepare a report. If he is of the opinion that there is a reasonable doubt as to Ms Folbigg's guilt, Mr Bathurst may refer the matter to the Court of Criminal Appeal for further consideration.
Given this matter will now be the subject of an independent judicial inquiry, I do not propose to provide any further comment at this time."
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The entire release can be read at:
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PUBLISHER'S NOTE: I am monitoring this case/issue. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog for reports on developments. The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at: http://www.thestar.com/topic/charlessmith. Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at: http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2011/05/charles-smith-blog-award-nominations.html Please send any comments or information on other cases and issues of interest to the readers of this blog to: hlevy15@gmail.com. Harold Levy: Publisher: The Charles Smith Blog;
