Menu
13/12/2005
Murdoch found guilty of Falconio murder
Bradley Murdoch has been found guilty of the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio.
The jury at the Northern Territory Supreme Court in Darwin also found the 47-year-old mechanic and drugs-runner guilty of the abduction and assault of Mr Falconio’s girlfriend, Joanne Lees.
Following the verdict, the judge, Chief Justice Brian Martin, said: “There is only one judgement that is practised by the law in the Northern Territory and that is imprisonment for life.”
During the trial, the court heard how Murdoch shot Mr Falconio after flagging down the couple’s camper van, near Alice Springs in July 2001. He then tied up Ms Lees, now 32, who later managed to escape and spent five hours hiding in the bush before she was rescued.
The body of Mr Falconio, 28, has never been found.
Following the verdict, Mr Falconio’s family and Ms Lees called for Murdoch to reveal what had happened to Peter’s body.
Murdoch was sentenced to life imprisonment, but the minimum term will be set at a later date. His lawyer, Grant Algie, said that he would appeal the decision.
(KMcA/GB)
The jury at the Northern Territory Supreme Court in Darwin also found the 47-year-old mechanic and drugs-runner guilty of the abduction and assault of Mr Falconio’s girlfriend, Joanne Lees.
Following the verdict, the judge, Chief Justice Brian Martin, said: “There is only one judgement that is practised by the law in the Northern Territory and that is imprisonment for life.”
During the trial, the court heard how Murdoch shot Mr Falconio after flagging down the couple’s camper van, near Alice Springs in July 2001. He then tied up Ms Lees, now 32, who later managed to escape and spent five hours hiding in the bush before she was rescued.
The body of Mr Falconio, 28, has never been found.
Following the verdict, Mr Falconio’s family and Ms Lees called for Murdoch to reveal what had happened to Peter’s body.
Murdoch was sentenced to life imprisonment, but the minimum term will be set at a later date. His lawyer, Grant Algie, said that he would appeal the decision.
(KMcA/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 December 2005
Minimum 28-year sentence for Falconio murderer
Australian Bradley Murdoch has been sentenced to a minimum of 28 years in prison for the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio. Murdoch, 47, was found guilty of Mr Falconio’s murder at the Northern Territory Supreme Court in Darwin. He was also convicted of the abduction and assault of Mr Falconio’s girlfriend, Joanne Lees.
Minimum 28-year sentence for Falconio murderer
Australian Bradley Murdoch has been sentenced to a minimum of 28 years in prison for the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio. Murdoch, 47, was found guilty of Mr Falconio’s murder at the Northern Territory Supreme Court in Darwin. He was also convicted of the abduction and assault of Mr Falconio’s girlfriend, Joanne Lees.
22 April 2005
British backpacker murder trial postponed
The trial of a man accused of murdering British backpacker Peter Falconio has been delayed. Further investigations are to be conducted by both the prosecution and defence teams working on the case, it has been reported. The trial of Bradley John Murdoch was due to begin in Darwin next month.
British backpacker murder trial postponed
The trial of a man accused of murdering British backpacker Peter Falconio has been delayed. Further investigations are to be conducted by both the prosecution and defence teams working on the case, it has been reported. The trial of Bradley John Murdoch was due to begin in Darwin next month.
10 January 2007
Falconio killler loses appeal
The man convicted of the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio has lost his appeal against his conviction and sentence. Lawyers for 48-year-old Bradley Murdoch had argued that he had suffered a "substantial miscarriage of justice".
Falconio killler loses appeal
The man convicted of the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio has lost his appeal against his conviction and sentence. Lawyers for 48-year-old Bradley Murdoch had argued that he had suffered a "substantial miscarriage of justice".
27 February 2012
Education Secretary Renews Public Relationship With Murdoch
The long standing relationship between Conservative MP Michael Gove and Rupert Murdoch has been publicly re-established this weekend when the education secretary and former Times journalist, attacked the Leveson inquiry, calling it a threat to press freedom, and praised Murdoch, “Whenever anyone sets up a new newspaper – as Rupert Murdoch has with
Education Secretary Renews Public Relationship With Murdoch
The long standing relationship between Conservative MP Michael Gove and Rupert Murdoch has been publicly re-established this weekend when the education secretary and former Times journalist, attacked the Leveson inquiry, calling it a threat to press freedom, and praised Murdoch, “Whenever anyone sets up a new newspaper – as Rupert Murdoch has with
07 December 2007
Reshuffle For Murdochs' Key Media Players
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has stepped down as Chairman of BSkyB. His son, James - Chief Executive Officer since November 2003 - will replace him as Non-Executive Chairman.
Reshuffle For Murdochs' Key Media Players
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has stepped down as Chairman of BSkyB. His son, James - Chief Executive Officer since November 2003 - will replace him as Non-Executive Chairman.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
