Author Archives: andrew

Forensic evidence under the microscope – looks sick

Posted on October 18, 2019 by andrew

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

Posted on September 18, 2019 by andrew

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

Posted on September 16, 2019 by andrew

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

Posted on September 10, 2019 by andrew

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

Posted on September 9, 2019 by andrew

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

Posted on September 4, 2019 by andrew

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

Posted on August 27, 2019 by andrew

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

Sue Neill-Fraser news overlooked at Hobart Mercury?

Posted on August 26, 2019 by andrew

Andrew L. Urban.  “A Hobart lawyer charged with two counts of perverting justice in relation to Susan Neill-Fraser’s appeal bid may not face trial,” Emily Jarvie of Launceston based The Examiner reported on August 22, 2019, but Hobart’s Mercury did … Continue reading →

Posted in Case 01 Sue Neill-Fraser | 11 Comments

Wrongfully Convicted – on SBS TV … and from a tavern

Posted on August 24, 2019 by andrew

Wrongfully Convicted – the SBS Insight program over 2 episodes – August 27 & September 3, 2019 – discusses the Australian cases of Henry Keogh, John Button, Frank Button and the US cases of Debra Milke (spent over 20 years … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Pell Appeal – Weinberg J & other dissenting voices

Posted on August 23, 2019 by andrew

Andrew L. Urban. George Pell’s appeal against the conviction of child sexual abuse was dismissed by two of the three judges in the Victorian Supreme Court on August 21, 2019. It is a majority decision with which dissenting Justice Weinberg … Continue reading →

Posted in Case 07 George Pell | 19 Comments