Daniel Morcombe jury retires

[bluecat*dancing]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-12/daniel-morcombe-murder-judge-winds-up-summary-to-jury/5314956

"The jury in the murder trial of the man accused of killing Queensland teenager Daniel Morcombe has retired to consider its verdict.

Daniel was abducted and murdered on the Sunshine Coast in 2003 and his remains were found in nearby bushland in 2011.

Brett Peter Cowan, 44, has pleaded not guilty to murder, indecent treatment of a child, and interfering with a corpse."

[polksaladallie]

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@am*3 wrote:
I have just been reading his past offences 😞 . Throw a way the key!!

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Just hearing about his life.  He started at 12 with a 6 year old girl.  Has been in jail for child sexual offences twice, plus has committed lots of other similar offences.  Pity that juries never hear this stuff.

[azureline**]

The jury can only base their decision on actual evidence and they don't determine the sentence. I wonder why his attempted murder of a small boy is not taken into account? or will it be? Sickening to think he may be released as a 55 yo..

I also don't believe it is about any life being more valuable but I suppose change has to start somewhere.

[polksaladallie]

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@azureline** wrote:

The jury can only base their decision on actual evidence and they don't determine the sentence. I wonder why his attempted murder of a small boy is not taken into account? or will it be? Sickening to think he may be released as a 55 yo..

I also don't believe it is about any life being more valuable but I suppose change has to start somewhere.

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15 years for a boy and 25 years for a police officer?   Does not compute.

[bluecat*dancing]

His previous convictions probably weren't allowed as evidence which is probably why the other jerk was accused of being the perpetrator because his criminal record would have been permissable and therefore sway the jury into thinking that perhaps it wasn't Cowan who was responsible afterall.

[bluecat*dancing]

I don't understand why these repeat offenders are given chance after chance after chance.

[cherry*135]

There are tougher penalties now for child sex offenders.

Sept 2012

Queensland

The government also passed a two-strikes law last month, which means repeat child sex offenders will now be jailed for life and be unable to apply for parole for at least 20 years.

Changes to maximum penalties for child sex offences:
Offences against children with a mental impairment: from 14 years' jail to a life sentence
Child exploitation material offences: from five years' jail to 14 years' jail
Procurement of a child: from five years' jail to 10 years' jail
Grooming of a child: maximum penalty of 14 years in jail


Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/tougher-penalties-for-child-sex-offenders-20120905-25d8i....

[polksaladallie]

I don't think these sentences have anything to do with murder.

[polksaladallie]

Just heard that the judge is able to sentence him to more than 15 years.

[cherry*135]

No, polks..not murder, still repeat child sex offenders being in jail for much longer jail terms than before. I posted that re bluecats comment.
This person got 7 years and out in 4 previously.

[polksaladallie]

The victim impact statements are heart-rending.  They are very brave to be able to say what they are saying calmy to this man.