Kathleen Folbigg, an Australian mother, had her convictions formally quashed after spending two decades in prison for the deaths of her four children.
New scientific evidence, including a previously unknown mutant gene in her daughters, created “reasonable doubt” about her guilt.
The court’s decision was based on the finding that a substantial body of new scientific evidence outweighed the evidence heard at her trial. (Trending: Here Are The Most Disturbing Ways Hunter Biden Spent His Millions)
“The time this has taken in seeing today’s result has cost many people a lot,” Folbigg said.
“I hoped and prayed that one day I would be able to stand here with my name cleared.”
Her legal team is now seeking substantial compensation and pushing for the creation of an independent body for review to prevent future miscarriages of justice.
“I’m not prepared to put a figure on it, but it will be bigger than any substantial payment that has been made before,” she said.
The case has sparked calls for legal reform and a more scientifically informed legal system in Australia.
“Here in New South Wales, we’ve just seen the crushing of the convictions of Kathleen Folbigg after 20 years in jail. If a case of this magnitude does not trigger law reform, I’m not sure what does,” Chief Executive of the Australian Academy of Science Anna-Maria Rabia said.
“It is time for Australia to review its legal system to ensure it can be more scientifically informed, particularly given the pace of change of scientific discovery and technological advances.”
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