QLD: Oppn seeks review of diminished responsibility clause

AAP General News (Australia)
08-20-1999
QLD: Oppn seeks review of diminished responsibility clause

The Queensland opposition wants a review of the criminal defence of diminished
responsibility cited by offenders using drugs or alcohol.

It's made the call following the jailing for life last week of a 52-year-old man for
murdering his second wife.

At the time of the murder, the man was on parole for the manslaughter of his first wife six
years earlier, after stabbing her 40 times.

On the first occasion, a jury rejected a murder charge on the grounds of diminished
responsibility due to drug dependence.

The opposition says had the man been found guilty of murder the first time round, he
wouldn't have had a chance to kill his second wife.

AAP RTV cas/sd/sub/shm

KEYWORD: BROWN (BRISBANE)

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