Daniel Morcombe murderer's sentence to be challenged by attorney general
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Version 0 of 1. Queensland’s attorney general will appeal against the “manifestly inadequate” sentence of the man who murdered Daniel Morcombe. Serial paedophile Brett Peter Cowan, 44, was last week sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 20 years for the murder of the 13-year-old Sunshine Coast boy in 2003. The attorney general, Jarrod Bleijie, said the non-parole period was manifestly inadequate, was not in line with community expectations and did not set an adequate deterrent. Bleijie has instructed crown prosecutors to appeal against Cowan’s sentence after discussions with Daniel’s parents, Bruce and Denise. Daniel vanished while waiting for a bus at Woombye on the Sunshine Coast on 7 December, 2003. His remains were found in bushland at the Glass House Mountains in the Sunshine Coast hinterland in August and September 2011. Bleijie commended Bruce and Denise Morcombe for their resolve. “This government has taken a stand against serious sex offenders, the worst of the worst,” he told parliament. “This government is determined to make this state the safest to raise a child. “We will continue to reform laws to tip the scale back in the favour of victims.” The government is reviewing its dangerous sex offender laws and new legislation is due mid-year. |