Kathleen Folbigg has “no hate” in her heart after she was released from prison 20 years after being convicted for killing her children, her best friend says.
Key points:
- Kathleen Folbigg spent her first night of freedom with best friend Tracy Chapman
- They ate pizza and spent time with Ms Chapman’s animals
- Lawyer Rhanee Rego says the next step is to have Ms Folbigg’s convictions quashed
Ms Folbigg, 55, spent her first day of freedom since 2003 enjoying simple pleasures, like a comfortable bed, pizza, metal spoons and a Kahlua and Coke, Tracy Chapman said on Tuesday.
“I can’t actually say more than, it was a surreal day,” she said.
“We just kind of … enjoyed each other’s company. She spent a lot of time with my dogs and getting to know my animals.”
Ms Chapman said Kathleen has been in “awe” observing smartphones, and digital streaming devices.
On Monday, NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley announced an unconditional pardon had been granted after he received an advanced report on an inquiry into Ms Folbigg’s convictions.
The Special Commission of Inquiry, before retired chief justice Tom Bathurst KC, had heard new genetic evidence raised “reasonable doubt” over the mother-of-four’s guilt.
Ms Folbigg was convicted for killing all four of her children between 1989 and 1999, with prosecutors alleging she smothered the infants.
She always maintained her innocence and had been unsuccessful in clearing her name through two appeals and a previous inquiry in 2019.
The pardon means she will not have to serve any more time of her minimum 25-year prison sentence.
Ms Folbigg is already back living with Ms Chapman, near the northern NSW town of Coffs Harbour.
News outlets broadcast footage of the two embracing at a rural property, and Ms Folbigg making a cup of tea.
“Oh my God,” Ms Folbigg could be heard saying while hugging Ms Chapman.
Lawyer, Rhanee Rego, said today the next step was to have Ms Folbigg’s convictions quashed in the Court of Criminal Appeal.
That could either happen via a reference from Mr Bathurst, NSW Governor Margaret Beazley or, “failing that”, a direct application to the court, she said.
“And we urge everyone to give her privacy while she enjoys the first bit of freedom, and also she’ll be honouring the memory of her children as she’s done every day for 24 years.”
Ms Rego said her client was grateful and held “no hatred” over her treatment, but described the ordeal she had faced as “unimaginable”.
“If Australia really wants to make some good from a tragic story, they’ll seriously consider reviewing the system of post-conviction review, the same system that took too long to get to today.”
Her legal team would decide on what type of compensation she should seek, Ms Rego said.
Ms Chapman said her best friend was focused on enjoying her freedom.
The long-time supporter was “disappointed” by comments released by the lawyer of Ms Folbigg’s ex-husband, Craig Folbigg, who still believes she is guilty.
Ms Folbigg “probably won’t speak to him”, Ms Chapman says.
“There’s no hate in Kath’s heart. She just wants to live a life she has missed for 20 years and move on.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Spanish scientist Carola Vinuesa told ABC Breakfast that Ms Folbigg’s release was “very special”.
Professor Vinuesa’s research was key in discovering the CALM2 gene mutation now believed to have been a reasonable cause of death of the two Folbigg girls, Sarah and Laura.
“As a scientist, you don’t always get to do things that really make a difference in someone’s life,” Professor Vinuesa said.
“And it wasn’t just for Kathleen’s life, it was really, you know, a celebration of science.”
The senior group leader at London’s Francis Crick Institute said the research heard at the recent Folbigg inquiry could benefit similar cases around the world.
Live updates
By Greta Stonehouse
Kathleen enjoying the little things
Drinking tea out of a “real crockery cup”, using a normal spoon to stir it with.
Tracey Chapman highlighted the small things her friend can now enjoy, after 20 years spent in prison.
Her lawyers flagged the next legal steps they would be taking in clearing their client’s name of murder charges, and for the ample compensation she is expected to receive.
But for now, they asked people give Kathleen some well-deserved privacy, so she can start enjoying a normal life.
And that’s all from us folks. We’ll be brining you more coverage of this momentous occasion throughout the day.
By Greta Stonehouse
Kathleen Folbigg ‘is grateful’ and asks for some privacy
Kathleen’s lawyer, Rhanee Rego, said her client was just happy to be released and free.
“Kathleen Folbigg is grateful, she has no hatred, she’s grateful she’s released today,” she said.
“And we urge everyone to give her privacy while she enjoys the first bit of freedom.”
She said Kathleen would be honouring the memory of her children, as she had done every day for the past 24 years.
By Greta Stonehouse
Mother wrongly accused of killing child like ‘Lindy Chamberlain’
Kathleen’s lawyer, Rhanee Rego, said the case was likened to Lindy Chamberlain because of the “like nature” of the cases.
However, Kathleen’s situation was unique.
“Look at the scale we’re dealing with, with Kathleen. She not only lost one
child, she’s lost four.”
She said the system had failed her at every step, and that it was hard to imagine how she was feeling.
“That’s what makes it so hard to believe.”
By Greta Stonehouse
Tracy Chapman had short notice to prepare
Ms Chapman opens up about the “chaos” of yesterday morning.
“Yesterday was pandemonium… Literally running around, it was
like my hair was on fire. I didn’t get much notice,” she said.
“I basically knew she was coming out the door and she would be there in 40 minutes.”
Ms Chapman said the situation could have been handled better, and that Kathleen Folbigg didn’t get to say goodbye to many of her fellow inmates.
By Heath Parkes-Hupton
‘There’s no hate in Kath’s heart’
Ms Chapman says her best friend is trying to move on from the 20-year legal ordeal.
The long-time supporter was “disappointed” by comments released by the lawyer of Ms Folbigg’s ex-husband, Craig Folbigg, who still believes she is guilty.
Ms Folbigg “probably won’t speak to him”, Ms Champan says.
“There’s no hate in Kath’s heart. She just wants to live a life she has missed for 20 years and move on.”
By Greta Stonehouse
Kathleen adjusting to technology
Tracy Chapman said Kathleen has been in “awe”, observing smartphones, and digital streaming devices.
“The phones have bamboozled her a bit,” she said, adding she asked “how do I use this?”
“Even the television she was going, ‘oh my god’, look at the television, it’s got so many capabilities.'”
By Greta Stonehouse
Yesterday was ‘in slow motion’
Tracy Chapman said seeing her best friend was surreal, and all the plans were thrown out the window.
“My face muscles hurt from smiling so much,” she recalled Kathleen said to her.
Ms Chapman said Kathleen spent timing getting to know her animals.
“We didn’t get our steak for dinner which was a bugger.”
By Greta Stonehouse
Application to the Court of criminal appeal
Her lawyer, Rhanee Rego, said the legal team will be making an application to quash her criminal convictions in the Court of Criminal Appeal.
“Now, in terms of compensation, which I know is on everyone’s minds, it’s
too early right now,” she said.
“Kathleen is still having a cup of tea, acquainting herself to normal life.”
By Greta Stonehouse
Kathleen’s first night out of jail
Tracy Chapman recounts her dear friend’s first night out of prison in 20 years.
“Yesterday was such a rush … so unprepared,” Ms Chapman said.
“One of those surreal days, threw all our plans out the window.”
She said their first dinner was pizza, while Kathleen enjoyed a Kahlua and coke.
She said it was the first time she was able to sleep properly in 20 years.
By Greta Stonehouse
Kathleen Folbigg hugs Tracy Chapman
Video footage captures the moment Kathleen Folbigg’s best friend Tracy Chapman sees her friend freed and outside prison after 20 years.
The pair reunited on a northern NSW property near Coffs Harbour, close-by to where Ms Chapman will soon address the media.
By Greta Stonehouse
How science became key to Kathleen’s freedom
Here’s an in-depth look at the part science played in unlocking a rare genetic mutation found in Kathleen Folbigg’s children.
By Greta Stonehouse
Tracy Chapman statement:
While we wait for the press conference to begin, here is a statement released by best friend, and advocate, Tracy Chapman.
“Today, due to Dr Emma Cunliffe’s book ‘Murder, Medicine and Motherhood’ and Professor Carola Vinuesa’s research, my friend’s innocence has finally been proven after Kathleen has spent two decades in prison. My thanks go to them and many other people who have supported and called for Kathleen’s freedom.
“I know the past 20 years have been horrific for Kathleen, not least for the pain and suffering she has had to endure following the loss of her four children. They were gorgeous children.
“Caleb even at 19 days old was a placid baby with intense eyes and long fingers of a future piano player.
“Patrick, despite all his medical issues with epilepsy and blindness, was focused on discovering the world around him through his hands.
“Sarah was cheeky, poking her tongue when you called her name, and found fun and joy in the simplest of things – playing with her toys and chasing her dad around.
“Laura was an empathetic and compassionate little kid.
“They are all missed every day.”
By Greta Stonehouse
Press conference: live stream
You can follow all the action here.
By Greta Stonehouse
Kathleen’s long-time supporters speak
Kathleen Folbigg walked out of jail yesterday, twenty years after she was convicted of killing her four children.
Her lawyer Rhanee Rego and Robert Cavanagh, and her best friend Tracy Chapman are about to hold a press conference to speak about the pardon that set her free.
Stay tuned for live updates.
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