Letter to the Editor
A Public Inquiry into Port Arthur & a Retrial for Martin Bryant.
It should concern every citizen that Justice sometimes goes astray.
Here in Australia Lindy Chamberlain was convicted and later exonerated, so too was Tim Anderson of the Hilton Bombing saga.
Overseas we had the Birmingham six freed after 17 years in prison, and the Guildford four, these were cases that convicted innocent people by overlooking the basic premise of "guilty beyond all reasonable doubt".
Every possible effort must be taken to ensure that the legal process is always beyond reproach, and that the letter of the law is always followed without bias.
This has not happened with Martin Bryant's conviction over the Port Arthur massacre.
Matters requiring consideration include...
Bryant's trial by Media before due process of law.
Conflict of interest shown by "defense" lawyer John Avery who denied Bryant his day in court, this action could not be justified by Avery's admission that "I felt intensely that I had to do right by the community as well".
Failure to hold an inquest as required by law.
How Bryant could enter a plea for himself despite a guardianship order in November 1993.
Authenticity of the Balasko Video that contradicts the sworn evidence of eyewitnesses, particularly where the video shows the gunman exit the Broad Arrow balcony without firing a shot, whereas the DPP proves in the court transcript that 8 shots were fired from the balcony.
Also, how could video's that were secure court evidence, be included in a complex television documentary only 2 days after the sentencing, with advertising being prepared beforehand as well.
And of extreme importance should be why no further suspects were sought despite events during the siege at Seascape indicating that a team of terrorists were actually functioning on site.
In particular, while "Jamie" was on the phone to Sgt Mc Carthy, one gunman was under observation on a roof, while another gunman shot at Constable Pat Allen, in response to a police radio transmission relating to the phone call.
It is now imperative that a public inquiry and a retrial take place to investigate what really happened at Port Arthur on that Sunday in 1996.
There are many other questions that demand a thorough and complete inquiry with full public disclosure of every aspect.
Failure to do so will mean that no Australian can ever again have confidence or trust in the Australian justice system.
The implications of that possibility are too terrible to contemplate!
Noel Mc Donald
Geelong.
ph 03 5222 4879
Biblio
Court Transcript 19/11/1996 The Queen vs Martin Bryant
A Current Affair 24/11/1996 Port Arthur...The Inside Story.
The Mercury Why Bryant said 'guilty'. (John Avery) Stuart Diwell
EMA Seminar Papers 1997