Act of Grace payment to Jeannie Angel inappropriate

26/4/93

Attorney General Cheryl Edwardes says that after careful consideration, she believes it would be inappropriate to make an Act of Grace compensation payment to Ms Jeanie Angel. 

Ms Angel was released from prison in 1991 after an appeal against her conviction for murder was conceded by the Crown. 

However, Mrs Edwardes said further police investigations were ordered by the Crown after the appeal was instituted by Ms Angel, 19 months after conviction. 

"As a result of interviews with other people allegedly present at the relevant time, it became apparent that blows were inflicted on the deceased woman by other persons as well as Ms Angel - who admitted striking the victim with a rock and jumping on her," the Attorney General said. 

"The appeal was conceded because the Crown could no longer be satisfied that the blows inflicted by Ms Angel were the only blows causing death. 

"The Crown, in conceding the appeal and not seeking a re-trial, took a number of matters into consideration, including the length of sentence already served by Ms Angel.

"There is no legal right to compensation.  An Act of Grace payment is made only in the most exceptional circumstances and this is not such a case." 

Media contact: Casey Cahill 222 9595