Double Jeopardy - Deidre's Law Petition

In one of Queensland’s most famous cases, 17 month old baby, Deidre Kennedy, was abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered almost 30 years ago.

Despite two juries finding a man guilty, the charges were eventually dropped because of an 800 year old legal principle called double jeopardy, which prevents a person from being tried twice for the same offence. Double Jeopardy means that in the case of new DNA evidence being discovered, a killer could still walk free as a result of this outdated law.

Faye Kennedy and I have been fighting for the Queensland Government to modernise (not abolish) double jeopardy. Despite already having collected and presented 33,000 signatures to the Queensland Parliament calling for the change, Premier Beattie refused to listen.

In October 2007 legislation was passed in Queensland Parliament to introduce double Jeopardy laws.  The Bill allows a retrial for a charge of murder where there is fresh and compelling evidence, and allows a retrial for a 25-year or more imprisonment offence, if the original acquittal is tainted.

However, unlike New South Wales, the limited exceptions to double jeopardy protection will not be retrospective.  Although we welcome the passing of the legislation which will mean in the future no family has to live through what the Kennedy family have been through, it is disappointing that the laws prevent them from receiving closure for the murder of their baby Deidre.

It is disappointing that Anna Bligh could not follow the lead of New South Wales on this issue and make the laws retrospective.  Many Queenslanders, including serving police officers, have voiced support for making the laws retrospective.  I think Queenslanders deserve the same legal protections on this matter as residents in New South Wales.

It is without doubt that this issue is of significant importance in this state and our fight will go on to make this law retrospective.  Faye and I would really appreciate your help in this matter. Together, we can ensure that justice is served and our communities are better and safer places.

If you would like to show your support for this campaign, please fill in the form below: