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Woman convicted of killing her four babies will have case reviewed

A woman jailed for killing her four babies will have her convictions reviewed by a former judge after questions were raised about the case against her.

Kathleen Folbigg is serving at least 25 years behind bars after being found guilty in 2005 of the murder of three of her babies and the manslaughter of a fourth.

Lawyers for Folbigg lodged a petition in 2015 casting doubt on some of the evidence that led to her conviction.

NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman on Wednesday said he’d formed the view an inquiry into her convictions was “necessary to ensure public confidence in the administration of justice”.

Serial baby killer Kathleen Folbigg will have her convictions reviewed by a former judge after questions were raised about the case against her and NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman has spoken with Mr Craig Folbigg, former husband of Kathleen Folbigg
Baby killer Kathleen Folbigg will have her convictions reviewed by a former judge after questions were raised about the case against her. Source: AAP

Former chief judge of the District Court, Reginald Blanc, will lead the inquiry.

“The decision is not based on any assessment of Ms Folbigg’s guilt,” he said in a statement.

Husband Craig Folbigg told of ‘difficult decision’

“I have spoken with Mr Craig Folbigg to explain this immensely difficult decision. I am sorry for the renewed distress and pain he and his family will endure because of the inquiry.”

Kathleen Folbigg (pictured with baby) is serving at least 25 years behind bars after being found guilty in 2005 of the murder of three of her babies and the manslaughter of a fourth
Kathleen Folbigg (pictured with baby) is serving at least 25 years behind bars after being found guilty in 2005 of the murder of three of her babies and the manslaughter of a fourth. Source: 7News

Mr Speakman has directed Mr Blanch to have particular regard to questions about evidence on the incidence of reported deaths of three or more infants in the same family attributed to unidentified natural causes in the proceedings leading to Folbigg’s convictions.

If Mr Blanch finds that there is a reasonable doubt as to Folbigg’s guilt he may refer the matter to the Court of Criminal Appeal for further consideration.