Roseanne Beckett has every reason to think that the laws of New South Wales conspire against her. Formerly known as Roseanne Catt, she was convicted in 1991 of " soliciting someone to murder her husband. " She was the only female prisoner in this state to serve that entire ten year sentence because she refused to confess her guilt - and under this state's law no prisoner is granted parole unless they agree that they were guilty - and show remorse.
This case caused consternation when evidence surfaced that indicated that the police officer investigating this matter was a close friend of her husband, and that a pistol had been planted to frame her for the soliciting charge. The conviction was quashed and a new trial ordered. The prosecution decided not to proceed with this new trial, leaving the matter in limbo.
Roseanne Beckett wishes to sue the state for " malicious prosecution and false imprisonment " but the state is hiding behind ancient legal precedent which first requires her to " prove her innocence ".
It seems that the state is implying that the ten years she spent in prison is her own fault. She should have done what others do - perjure herself by confessing to a crime she didn't commit, show remorse - and get an early release.
It seems to be the usual combination of reasons for this foot dragging. The prosecution hates to have to admit that it made a mistake and will place every obstacle in the way of creating justice, and Treasury is always reluctant to shell out money for the state's mistakes. Ancient legal precedent that makes little sense provides the opportunity to do nothing - and hope that the problem goes away !
Roseanne Beckett is a determined woman. The fact that she endured ten years in prison for a crime she didn't do is an indication of the resolve with which she is conducting her campaign to get justice. If the state government is not prepared to set in motion court action to resolve this issue, it would be wise to negotiate an " act of grace " settlement.
This conviction was quashed in 2005. It seems that justice delayed - is justice denied !
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