Homicide Victims’ Support Group (Aust) Ltd Calls for Immediate Review of Community Corrections System Following Tragic Death of Audrey Griffin
The Homicide Victims’ Support Group (Aust) Ltd (HVSGAL) is shocked and deeply saddened by the murder of Audrey Griffin, a woman whose life was taken in an act of random violence.
HVSGAL expresses grave concern that the man accused of this crime was subject to a Community Corrections Order (CCO) at the time, despite a history of repeated violence and a prior prison sentence.
That this individual was not at least subject to an Intensive Corrections Order (ICO) with stricter supervision or electronic monitoring, despite the fact that incarceration was clearly warranted for repeat offences, defies logic.
There are critical questions that must be asked of Chief Magistrate Judge Michael Allen and the NSW Attorney General Michael Daley. Specifically:
Why was a Community Corrections Order considered an appropriate sentence for a known violent offender?
Why was the offender not fitted with mandatory electronic monitoring?
Was he subject to a curfew or any genuine restriction of movement?
Was he being actively supervised by a Community Corrections Officer—or was that supervision suspended?
Corinne Lindsell, Deputy Chair for the HVSGAL said:
“We are concerned that some members of the judiciary are not taking domestic violence or the danger that violent offenders pose, seriously.
What more will it take for our judiciary, who are tasked with protecting our community, to agree that zero tolerance is the only decision with these violent repeat offenders?”, said Ms Lindsell.
The death of Torrens while in custody now means Audrey’s family will be denied their chance at justice. They are left with not only the grief of loss but the ongoing anguish of unanswered questions.
HVSGAL is calling for an immediate and independent review into the application and oversight of Community Corrections Orders and Intensive Corrections Orders, particularly in the case of violent and repeat offenders.
The community deserves answers. Audrey’s family deserves better.