Qld: Stafford's second chance to appeal murder conviction

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2008
Qld: Stafford's second chance to appeal murder conviction

By Nadine McGrath

BRISBANE, April 19 AAP - A Queensland man convicted of murdering a schoolgirl 17 years
ago will be allowed a second chance to appeal for a pardon.

Queensland Attorney-General Kerry Shine today confirmed he had referred Graham Stafford's
second petition to the Court of Appeal.

The 44-year-old has consistently denied any involvement in the 1991 murder of his then
fiancee's 12-year-old sister Leanne Holland at Goodna, west of Brisbane.

"Mr Stafford lodged a petition with my office late last year seeking a pardon for his
conviction for the murder of Leanne Holland in 1991," Mr Shine said.

"I have received crown law advice and have decided to refer the matter to the Court
of Appeal to consider the evidence."

Stafford's legal team had been working on the petition since he was freed on parole
in 2006, four month's short of serving the minimum 15-year-sentence.

Fresh evidence from three scientists is believed to be the key component to the petition.

"My referral will allow Mr Stafford to present whatever evidence he has to support
his application to the Court of Appeal," Mr Shine said.

"There was a significant amount of information which accompanied Mr Stafford's application
and it is my view the Court of Appeal is the best place to consider that information."

Mr Shine said his decision did not mean he had formed a view on the case.

Mr Shine is expected to hold a press conference later today.

AAP nm/jt/jlw

KEYWORD: STAFFORD

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