LNP to reveal next move in Emma Lovell case

The government is on the precipice of making its next move in relation to the punishment meted out to a youth offender involved in the violent home invasion that ended in Emma Lovell’s death.

Lee Lovell, husband of murdered North Lakes mum Emma Lovell. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

The government is on the precipice of making its next move in relation to the punishment meted out to a youth offender involved in the violent home invasion that ended in Emma Lovell’s death.

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington revealed she was waiting on a “final piece” before making a statement, noting she had also been in constant contact with Mrs Lovell’s widower Lee Lovell.

Mrs Lovell, 41, was fatally stabbed in her front yard at North Lakes, north of Brisbane on Boxing Day 2022. Her killer, now 19, pleaded guilty to murder earlier this year and was jailed for 14 years.

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington is close to another youth crime move. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

A second youth – who cannot be identified, but was 17 at the time and is now 19 – was sentenced in early December to 18 months’ jail for burglary and assault at the Lovell’s home.

He released immediately after having already served 710 days (nearly 2 years) in pre-sentence custody, despite being convicted of 21 charges – taking his rap sheet total to 104 offences.

The youth was charged as an accomplice and did not wield the knife and was not directly involved in the struggle on the lawn that ended in Ms Lovell’s death.

Emma Lovell was stabbed in her North Lakes home. Picture: Facebook

The case went to a three-day judge-only trial and the youth was found not guilty of murder and the alternative of manslaughter, and not guilty of a malicious act with intent and wounding. He was found guilty of burglary and assault.

Mrs Frecklington, in the immediate aftermath of the child’s sentencing, said the punishment did not meet community expectations and promised to consider “legal options” available.

She has since confirmed she would be making a statement on the matter “soon” but also noted she “didn’t want to give people hope when there is none”.

“I’m waiting for a final piece that I’m getting,” she said.

“It is horrific matter. It’s a deep sadness, of course, to the family, particularly at this time of year. So I would like to be able to make a statement in relation to that in due course.

“I’m covering all bases to ensure that I get the best advice in relation to my options. And I don’t want to give people hope when there is none.”