A Candlelight Vigil is being held at the Parliament House Lawns on Friday 13th June, 5.00 –
6.00 pm. The vigil is in memory of Bob Chappell and in support of Susan Neill-Fraser, who
we believe is a victim of a Miscarriage of Justice, having been found guilty of the murder of
Bob based entirely on circumstantial evidence.

Miscarriage of Justice is not rare and has been established in a number of cases in Australia –
Chamberlain (NT), Splatt (SA), Farah Jama (Vic), Roseanne Beckett (NSW), Gordon Wood
(NSW), Graham Staffard (QLD), Mallard, Button & Beamish (WA) and now Eastman (ACT).
Research has shown that in 44% of cases the basis for the conviction rested on
circumstantial evidence.

Bob Chappell disappeared on 26 January 2009 from the couple’s yacht, Four Winds, moored
off Battery Point. Sue was subsequently arrested, tried and found guilty of Bob’s murder
despite there being no eye witnesses, no weapon, no plausible motive, no forensic evidence
linking Sue to the crime scene and no body (Bob’s body has never been found). Additionally,
there have been a number of other areas of concern identified in relation to the
investigation and subsequent prosecution.

A Candlelight Vigil is particularly poignant as Bob disappeared at night, and Friday 13th is
symbolic of the feeling that these are dark days for justice in Tasmania. Candles represent a
ray of hope that the matter will be referred back to the courts in a timely way. There has
been a groundswell of support by people who are concerned about the many flaws in Sue’s
case.

Guest speakers at the Vigil will be Barbara Etter APM (Criminal Lawyer & former WA
Assistant Police Commissioner). A Scottish piper will be playing.

All concerned members of the public are encouraged to participate in this Vigil.
Additionally, the award winning documentary about Sue Neill-Fraser’ case, Shadow of
Doubt, written, directed & produced by Eve Ash, will again be screened at the State Theatre
on 30 June at 6 pm. Bookings and tickets are available from the State Cinema’s box office
from mid-June.
Fiona Peate, Member Sue Neill-Fraser Support Group