The Snitch: Barrister Allison Hawkins to become a magistrate after cancer battle
Barrister Allison Hawkins had worked for more than 15 years to reach the upper levels of her profession when she was diagnosed with cancer. But after months of treatment, she is finally able to come back to work — with a step up from her previous position.
NSW
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It’s the comeback story of a lifetime.
Barrister Allison Hawkins had worked for more than 15 years to reach the upper levels of her profession when cancer came knocking.
Being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma forced her to step down from her job and endure six months of debilitating chemotherapy.
She survived that, but then faced the question of whether she could return to her career after beating the condition.
The answer was yes — and with a step up from her previous position. Ms Hawkins will be sworn in as a magistrate of the state’s local courts tomorrow.
While the magistrate-to-be declined to comment, those familiar with her situation said she was only recently given the all-clear.
“When she was told (about beating the cancer) it was more of an emotional moment than she realised,” one of the insiders said.
We’re told Ms Hawkins bunkered down during the treatment. The chemo cost Ms Hawkins her hair but it has since grown back — with a twist.
While it was previously straight, it is now curly.
“It’s a welcome surprise,” a friend said.
“She has this lovely pixie hair now.”
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As a barrister Ms Hawkins worked on several high-profile cases, ranging from the Local Court to high-risk offender matters for convicted murderers in the NSW Supreme Court.
She also appeared in a landmark High Court of Australia case that impacted the ability for people to sue their lawyers.
KILLER’S NOT SO KILLER LOOKS
While Ivan Milat hangs on to life as a cancer-ridden shadow of his former self, the serial killer still has one feature that has not changed. Those evil eyes.
Barrister Ian Lloyd QC was the crown prosecutor who had Milat committed to stand trial over the murders of seven backpackers, and he can still remember standing too close to the killer for his liking.
“It was in the old colonial court at Campbelltown and, because of the layout of the court, he was sitting in the dock right behind me and was within a few feet of me at all times,” Mr Lloyd said.
“He had almost jet black eyes which gave him the appearance of pure evil.”
According to Mr Lloyd the case against Milat was overwhelming.
“Never thought there was any basis for his protestations of innocence,” he said.
GANG SQUAD BOSS REVEALED
Outgoing Criminal Groups Squad boss Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace has left big heels to fill. But it won’t be a woman squeezing into them.
The coveted role as the head of the bikie and gang-busting squad has been the source of much speculation since Supt Wallace revealed she would retire this year.
Now a frontrunner has appeared in the shape of Detective Superintendent Rob Critchlow. But having spent the latter part of his career heading local area commands in the city’s north, he will have to dust off his detective’s suit.
The officer with 29 years in the force, and whose humble opening line on LinkedIn reads “police commander, public safety leader and humanitarian”, cut his teeth as a detective in the inner-city before stints tackling organised crime. He has spent the past five years as the boss at Castle Hill.
While appointments to high-profile squads are often picked from within the ranks of State Crime Command, Supt Critchlow will likely transition from the Australian Police Institute of Management.
It might be a tough crowd to crack, though: “Deb is one of the rare bosses who isn’t just liked by staff, but loved”, one source quipped.
GOT A SNITCH? Contact ava.benny-morrison@news.com.au or brenden.hills@news.com.au
Originally published as The Snitch: Barrister Allison Hawkins to become a magistrate after cancer battle