Qld: Controversial prosecutor sworn in as judge

AAP General News (Australia)
04-02-2008
Qld: Controversial prosecutor sworn in as judge

BRISBANE, April 2 AAP - The public should have full confidence in Queensland's newest
District Court judge, the state's Attorney-General Kerry Shine says.

Former director of public prosecutions Leanne Clare was today appointed to the bench
during a formal ceremony in Brisbane.

Also appointed to the judiciary today were barristers David Andrews and William Everson.

Ms Clare came under fire during her eight years as DPP for her handling of several
high-profile cases including that of former Bundaberg surgeon Dr Jayant Patel.

But it was her decision not to charge Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley over the death of
Aboriginal man Mulrunji Doomadgee at the Palm Island watchhouse which will stand as her
most controversial decision.

Sen Sgt Hurley was eventually charged with manslaughter following a judicial review
by former NSW Chief Justice Sir Lawrence Street.

He was later acquitted by a Townsville jury.

Ms Clare today had a gentle dig at the intense media scrutiny surrounding her career,
saying she wondered whether a personal anecdote about her baby son vomiting in court would
be splashed across the headlines as: "New judge criticised for lousy mothering".

However, she said the adversity she had faced during her career had only made her stronger
and more self-reliant.

"I think those things could be very helpful for a new judge," she said.

Outside the ceremony, Mr Shine told reporters the new judges all had a wealth of life experience.

"People have a view that the life of law is very restricted in experiences, but that
is not the case," he said.

Asked whether the public could have faith in Ms Clare given her history as DPP, Mr
Shine replied: "Absolutely".

"It is par for the course for the director of public prosecutions to be embroiled in
some controversy from time to time. It's just the nature of the job."

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KEYWORD: JUDGES 2ND LEAD

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