CASE AGAINST DR DARREN KEATING NOT STRONG ENOUGH:SHINE
Published Saturday, 20 October, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine has concluded the case against Dr Darren Keating is not strong enough to proceed with a prosecution.
Premier Anna Bligh asked Mr Shine to review the advice Brendan Butler SC provided to the Queensland Police Service on the strength of any case against Dr Keating and to consider if there was any other option the government might have.
“I have thoroughly considered the advice Mr Butler gave to police. I understand police also asked the Director of Public Prosecutions to review Mr Butler’s advice and she has indicated that she agrees with Mr Butler’s view,” Mr Shine said.
“After carefully considering Mr Butler’s opinion I agree it is pointless to proceed with a prosecution or seek further opinion on this matter.
“While I acknowledge and accept that there are strong feelings in the community it’s not in the interest of justice to pursue the case when there is strong advice that there is not a reasonable chance of success,” Mr Shine said.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273
Premier Anna Bligh asked Mr Shine to review the advice Brendan Butler SC provided to the Queensland Police Service on the strength of any case against Dr Keating and to consider if there was any other option the government might have.
“I have thoroughly considered the advice Mr Butler gave to police. I understand police also asked the Director of Public Prosecutions to review Mr Butler’s advice and she has indicated that she agrees with Mr Butler’s view,” Mr Shine said.
“After carefully considering Mr Butler’s opinion I agree it is pointless to proceed with a prosecution or seek further opinion on this matter.
“While I acknowledge and accept that there are strong feelings in the community it’s not in the interest of justice to pursue the case when there is strong advice that there is not a reasonable chance of success,” Mr Shine said.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273