Twist in decades-old murder case
An horrific 1980s abduction and murder case has taken another turn as a lawyer and former politician calls into question new evidence.
Former MP Peter Breen has pushed for an inquiry into Stephen ‘Shorty’ Jamieson’s convictions for the abduction, rape and murder of Janine Balding in Sydney in September 1988.
Her brother David Balding told A Current Affair: “It should all be put to rest now. There’s no doubt that they got the right people.”
His life had been consumed by his 20-year-old sister’s death when he himself was aged 10.
“It’s pretty much been my life ever since ... just doesn’t end,” he said.
“It just keeps popping up.”
Jamieson was 22 at the time of Ms Balding’s death, and two other homeless males convicted were 14 and 16 at the time.
Jamieson’s lawyer, Mr Breen, says another man nicknamed ‘Shorty’ was known in the area at the time. This second ‘Shorty’ wore a bandana, and Mr Breen is pinning hope on DNA testing from a bandana to cast doubt over his client’s convictions.
Former Detective Chief Inspector Russell Oxford said he made a commitment to the Balding family in a case which was particularly horrific.
“I made a promise to the family that someone would continue to speak up for Janine,” he said.
Mr Russell maintains the mistaken identity issue has been examined and discounted by multiple courts and inquiries.
“The scrutiny that this investigation was under — we went through two murder trials, we went through the Court of Criminal Appeal, they appealed to the High Court,” he said.
“We’ve got the killers. They’re in jail for the rest of their lives and that’s where they belong, that’s where they should remain.”
The state Attorney-General has until May 8 to file written submissions in response to Mr Breen and Jamieson’s application for an inquiry.
The matter is expected to return to the NSW Supreme Court on May 13.
