Author Archives: andrew

Sue Neill-Fraser appeal set for March 2020

Justice Helen Wood has set the date for appeal against Sue Neill-Fraser’s murder conviction, for March 2 – 13, 2020, after DPP Darryl Coates estimated it would take two weeks; Neill-Fraser’s lawyer, Chris Carr, had estimated just 3 – 4 … Continue reading

Posted in Case 01 Sue Neill-Fraser | 5 Comments

Mystery woman with my email at Tamworth Court

Would the woman dressed in black at Tamworth court on Wednesday, November 6, out on bail apparently, who gave my email address to the distraught mother of a man in police custody please make contact with me when she can. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Shaken Baby Syndrome convictions rely on junk science and tunnel vision

As we have reported, the reliability of forensic evidence is increasingly questioned; and Shaken Baby Syndrome convictions rely on junk science and tunnel vision, writes Chris Brook* in this extract from his latest blog.

Posted in Shaken Baby Syndrome | 14 Comments

Forensic evidence under the microscope – looks sick

Andrew L. Urban. Within a single week in October this year (2019), the quality of forensic evidence tendered in criminal trials across Australia came under the microscope of public attention – and was found to be infected with the disease … Continue reading

Posted in Forensic evidence, General articles | 6 Comments

Pell appeal judges reversed onus of proof

In seeking leave to appeal to the High Court, George Pell’s lawyers argue that the approach taken by the majority judges at his appeal ­required Pell to “establish actual innocence”, rather than “merely pointing to doubt”, which was a reversal … Continue reading

Posted in Case 07 George Pell | 6 Comments

Steve Fennell not a murderer – jury got it wrong

Andrew L. Urban. The High Court in Canberra adjourned for just four minutes before resuming at 2.45pm on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, with a unanimous decision that Steven Fennell’s appeal against his murder conviction should be allowed. A verdict of … Continue reading

Posted in Case 10 Steven Fennell | 18 Comments

Is there evidentiary basis for shaken baby syndrome? The conviction of Joby Rowe

Chris Brook. Joby Rowe’s 2018 conviction for child homicide was based solely on forensic evidence that openly and overtly lacked any scientific basis, with expert opinions based instead on confession studies. This case raises fundamental questions for forensic science in … Continue reading

Posted in Case 09 Joby Rowe, Shaken Baby Syndrome | 9 Comments

Sarah Ward – the dead of night

It happened around 4am on June 7, 2008. Sarah Ward had been drinking and smoking dope. She took a friend’s car and went out for cigarettes with another friend. The young musicians they came across that dark night in Christie … Continue reading

Posted in Case 08 Sarah May Ward | 16 Comments

Qld & Vic prosecutors set example for Tas prosecutor

Dr Bob Moles & Andrew L. Urban.  It was made clear last night on the SBS program Insight – Wrongfully Convicted Part 2 (September 3, 2019), that the prosecutor in the Queensland case of Frank Button recognised that a significant … Continue reading

Posted in Case 01 Sue Neill-Fraser | 20 Comments

Sue Neill-Fraser appeal not before 2020

The Sue Neill-Fraser appeal will not be heard until next year (2020). Directions hearing at 4 pm today was before Wood J., Coates and Shapiro  for the Crown. Chris Carr for Sue Neill Fraser appeared from Melbourne via video. Her … Continue reading

Posted in Case 01 Sue Neill-Fraser | 16 Comments