Death of judge shocks region

THE death of "brilliant" Supreme Court judge Justice Peter Dutney during an outback bike-riding holiday has shocked his many friends and associates.

The Central Queensland community is mourning the loss of popular judge Justice Peter Dutney. Picture: File image

THE death of “brilliant” Supreme Court judge Justice Peter Dutney during an outback bike-riding holiday has shocked his many friends and associates throughout Central Queensland.

Justice Dutney, 54, suffered a heart attack on Friday night while riding along the Stuart Highway, near the South Australian mining town of Coober Pedy.

Current Rockhampton Supreme Court judge Justice Duncan McMeekin yesterday described the tragic passing as a “sad loss” for someone so young.

He said Justice Dutney had “infectious enthusiasm” and made a significant contribution to law and the Rockhampton community during the 7½ years he served here.

Queensland Chief Justice Paul de Jersey described Justice Dutney as a “fine judge, of brilliant judicial accomplishment”.

Justice Dutney, who was on long leave, had been on a bike ride from Alice Springs with a group of friends.

He had finished his ride on Friday, and had showered and eaten dinner before he died.

It's believed medical staff were on hand immediately, but could not revive him.

Justice McMeekin said Justice Dutney, the 11th Central Judge, would be sorely missed.

He said he only left Rockhampton at the personal request of the Chief Justice that he transfer to Brisbane to assist with the commercial list there, as he was an acknowledged master of that field of law.

During his time in Rockhampton he became a trustee of the Art Gallery, a strong supporter of the young lawyers and the local law association, a good friend to many within and without the profession, and a member of the local chapter of the Beefsteak and Burgundy Club.

Close friend Rockhampton doctor Hilary Mercer said Justice Dutney was due to be president of the Beefsteak and Burgundy Club, a club for men with an appreciation of food and wine, this year, but couldn't owing to his move.

He remained a member of the club, despite leaving in January 2008, and regularly travelled to Rockhampton for fortnightly meetings.

Justice Dutney then took up the position of inaugural president of the Queensland Commercial and Administrative Tribunal.

Justice McMeekin said Justice Dutney had a passion for cycling, which he also encouraged a number of other local lawyers to join.

“In earlier years he had been an enthusiastic triathlete and had competed at the Noosa triathlon over 10 successive years,” he said.

“And he not only competed. More than one young lawyer was surprised to find that the volunteer kneeling at their feet putting on their identification bracelet for the event was a Supreme Court judge.”

Justice Dutney is survived by his wife Bronwyn Springer, also a former Rockhampton magistrate, and two sons, Paul and Sam.

He and Bronwyn were due to take leave later this year to see his newborn grandson for the first time.

Dr Mercer described Justice Dutney's tragic passing as a “terrible shock”.

“My wife and I have known him since he arrived in Rockhampton,” he said.

“It's a tragic loss and despite leaving he still had a big affiliation here and visited frequently.”

Doctor Mercer said Justice Dutney would also travel to Asian countries about once a year to teach law practices in developing countries.

Queensland Attorney-General Cameron Dick said Justice Dutney had a deep understanding of the Queensland justice system, and was held in high esteem across the profession as both a judicial officer and advocate.

Justice Dutney was first appointed to the Supreme Court on March 20, 2000, after more than 20 years working as a barrister and solicitor in Queensland.

His legal career started in 1975, as an article clerk at the Brisbane law firm, Morris Fletcher and Cross.

He went on to complete his Law degree at the University of Queensland in 1978, was admitted to the Bar in 1979, and in 1990 was appointed Queen's Council.

During his time as a Supreme Court judge, Justice Dutney presided over several high-profile cases, including the Childers Backpacker case, The Rodney Cherry case and the case of Beau Ernest Hinschen, accused of murdering Rockhampton woman Suzanne Standing.

Rockhampton's Wayne Clifford, a noted international triathlete and president of the Frenchville Frogs Triathlon Club said he was very saddened by the death of “such a nice fellow”.

Clifford said while Justice Dutney was in the Rockhampton area he became a good club man and went into triathlons for a bit of fun and a bit of fitness.

“I met him about a month ago when he was up here for the Law Ball and commented on how fit he looked,” he said.

“It's happened so quick, a tragic loss as he was such a talented man.”

Read more...

A tribute to Justice Dutney

Originally published as Death of judge shocks region