Andrew L. Urban.
Sue Neill-Fraser’s legal team conceded before lunch on Day 2 of the appeal against her murder convction, that Meaghan Vass, highly stressed and agitated from the beginning, was delivering testimony during cross examination that would not be considered reliable, removing her testimony from the grounds of appeal – and focusing on the fresh new DNA evidence. Continue reading
Andrew L. Urban
When At 11.50 am on Monday March 1, 2021, at the Sue Neill-Fraser appeal in Hobart, Meaghan Vass replied ‘Yes’ to the first question put to her by Robert Richter QC, the pent up anticipation of a five year wait since the appeal process began, was released. Richter had asked her to confirm that she was indeed on board the Four Winds, as her DNA showed, when and where Neill-Fraser was alleged to have murdered Bob Chappell. Continue reading
Andrew L. Urban.
For the benefit of members of the public following the Sue Neill-Fraser appeal (against her 2010 conviction for the murder of her partner Bob Chappell) in Hobart’s Supreme Court commencing Monday, March 1, 2021, we have compiled a brief check list to help follow the proceedings – in person or via the media. Continue reading
One of the prominent barristers who has always maintained that Sue Neill-Fraser’s murder conviction is unsustainable, Melbourne based Robert Richter QC, has announced in the Tasmanian Court of Criminal Appeal today via videolink from Melbourne that he will lead her appeal team at the hearing starting on Monday, March 1, 2021. Continue reading
Special National Investigation by Andrew L. Urban
It is reasonable to argue that those wrongfully convicted of a serious crime who are genuinely innocent are the most deserving of parole. The cruel irony is that they are the least likely to be eligible, if a) the victim’s body has not been found or b) if they do not admit to the crime (such as murder) because of their claim to be innocent. Does this meet society’s expectations? Is it just? Continue reading
Sue Neill-Fraser’s Melbourne-based instructing solicitor, Paul Galbally’s travel hopes to attend her new appeal against her 2010 murder conviction in Hobart’s Supreme Court from March 1 improved markedly today as Tasmania lifted the high risk level restrictions on travellers from Victoria, no longer requiring a 14 day quarantine on arrival. Barrister Tom Percy QC from Perth, is also free to travel to Tasmania without restrictions. Continue reading
Our wrongfulconvictionsreport ‘sleuths’ have helped investigate this case in the past (see here and here). PHILLIP CHAPMAN, DR ROLAND ZHANG and DR PETER YOUNG are helping us again, with references to evidence from the autopsies and a secret phone. Continue reading
Andrew L. Urban.
In a short, sharp announcement in the Banco Court by NSW Chief Justice Bathurst, Robert Xie’s appeal (on eight grounds) was rejected this morning (15/2/2021), dealing a devastating blow to Xie’s tearful wife Kathy Lin, seated opposite the bench, and of course to Robert himself, appearing via videolink. Continue reading
Some 20,000 Fact Sheets (see below) about the Sue Neill-Fraser case will be distributed to letter boxes around Hobart ahead of her latest appeal that begins on March 1, 2021, in Hobart Supreme Court, as a community service on behalf of wrongfulconvictionsreport.org Continue reading
Andrew L. Urban.
Sue Neill-Fraser, 65, has never hugged her grandchildren outside prison. She was arrested# on August 20, 2009, charged with murdering her partner Bob Chappell on Australia Day 2009. We hereby mark the bleak 12th anniversary. She has always maintained her innocence (as have many supporters and several lawyers) but her nightmare has continued, as the Tasmanian legal system failed her every step of the way.* Her final appeal against her conviction is scheduled to begin shortly (March 1, 2021) but is it just a matter of ‘going through the motions’ with only local judges on the bench (contrary to accepted practice)? Continue reading