SNF APPEAL NEARS
TASMANIA’S Court of Criminal Appeal is preparing to hear the high-profile case of Sue Neill-Fraser, as her supporters are updated on whether proceedings will be recorded for all to watch. Neill-Fraser, who appeared via video link in the Tasmanian Court of Criminal Appeal yesterday, is likely to have her case heard from next week.
THE long-awaited, repeatedly delayed appeal hearing of convicted murderer Sue Neill-Fraser looks almost certain to proceed in a week’s time.
On Monday, Neill-Fraser appeared in the Tasmanian Court of Criminal Appeal via video link from the Mary Hutchinson Women’s Prison, while her high-profile lawyer Paul Galbally attended on a link from Melbourne.
A brief administrative hearing to discuss video recording of proceedings had been called ahead of the expected five-day appeal.
COVID-19 restrictions mean there will be limited seating in the courtroom, a concern in a case expected to attract high levels of public interest.
Justices Helen Wood and Stephen Estcourt said the video recordings would not be live-streamed but “somewhat delayed” and would not include the evidence of witnesses in case the appeal resulted in a retrial.
Director of Public Prosecutions Daryl Coates SC said the Crown did not oppose video recording, but was concerned about protocol and rules around who could watch, copy, modify or transmit the material.
Mr Galbally, who previously acted for Cardinal George Pell, agreed with Mr Coates and echoed his concerns around protocol.
A decision over the recordings will be delivered on Wednesday.
Speaking outside court, key supporter Rosie Crumpton-Crook said she was hopeful the appeal would progress after COVID-19 had thrown so many “spanners in the works”.
“It’s been five years now, five years, since Sue submitted her application for appeal, and in any justice system that’s too long,” she said.
“I imagine she is anxious and concerned; she’s probably very relieved that it’s just about finally here, but she’s very stoic, she’s very strong, she’s very brave, and she’s determined to have her name cleared.”
Ms Crumpton-Crook said supporters were keen for video recording of proceedings.
“I think most people want to be there to see this process through. We all care very deeply about what happens to Sue and we want to make sure things are done correctly and appropriately and swiftly,” she said.
Neill-Fraser is serving a 23-year prison sentence for the Australia Day 2009 murder of her partner Bob Chappell.
At present she will be eligible for parole in August 2022.
Hearing dates for her second, and possibly last, bid for appeal were delayed repeatedly last year as COVID-19 restrictions prevented her Melbourne-based legal team from travelling to Tasmania.