Alleged killer’s history a secret
QUEENSLANDERS will be kept in the dark on the criminal history of a teenager charged with the hit-and-run murder of a couple near Brisbane, with a top cop saying he wishes he could speak about it.
It came as Police Minister Mark Ryan insisted he would “love to be able to say a lot about this offender” but would not put the pending murder trial in jeopardy.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd said he realised family, friends and the community wanted to know “how the hell this happened”.
“It’s not without a desire to speak about difficult circumstances, but I am limited by law and proper procedure so as not to prejudice the prosecution and any subsequent legal matters as to what detail I can go to into any history that might relate to the offender and their background,” he said.
He said reports the 17-yearold was on bail for “a large number of criminal offences” related to the Australia Day incident was not correct, but he wouldn’t confirm whether the youth was on bail. “All of these facts will be released when the courts allow it,” he said.
It came as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk demanded to know why the alleged offender was not in custody.
A day after maintaining she would not comment on the state’s bail laws while the police investigation was underway, Ms Palaszczuk said she wanted answers.
And she said she was open to strengthening bail laws, which have been termed “catch and release” by the LNP.
“The family and the community and I want answers,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“I want answers just like everyone else. I want to know why the courts allowed this young man out on bail.
“If there’s anything more we can do to strengthen our laws, we absolutely will.”
Kate Leadbetter, 31, and Matthew Field, 37, were walking their dogs in Alexandra Hills when they were hit and killed allegedly by a 17-yearold driving a stolen car.
Asked about the alleged offender’s background, Mr Ryan said he would “love to be able to say a lot about this offender”. “I think a lot of Queenslanders would love to be able to say a lot about this offender, what I will say is I’m expecting that there will be severe consequences for his conduct,” he said.
Opposition Leader David Crisafulli demanded the government make breach of bail a specific offence.
“I made a commitment when I went to the crash site and met Kate’s aunty and uncle ... to leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of this,” he said. “From this tragedy comes a terrible platform to push for change.”