Andrew Mallard conviction to be appealed in the Court of Criminal Appeal

22/07/02
Attorney General Jim McGinty has today referred the 1995 conviction of Andrew Mallard for the murder of Pamela Lawrence to the Court of Criminal Appeal.
Mr McGinty said he had referred the petition to the court on receiving advice from the Solicitor General.
He said that fresh evidence outlined in the petition was the basis for his decision.
"The petition raised questions about the murder weapon that has never been found," the Attorney General said.
"The Crown case at trial was that Mr Mallard used a wrench, one that he drew a picture of during his police interview.
"The prosecution failed to disclose to the defence a test conducted on a similar wrench by a forensic scientist."
Mr McGinty said an undercover operation that was conducted on Mr Mallard at the time of the murder inquiry was also not disclosed.
"In light of this new evidence it is in the interests of justice that Mr Mallard be given the opportunity to present his case to the Court of Criminal Appeal," he said.
Mr Mallard was convicted on November 15, 1995 for the wilful murder of Pamela Lawrence on May 23, 1994 in Mosman Park. He was sentenced to strict security life imprisonment. He is still serving that sentence.
Minister's office: 9220 5000