Life sentence for Collin William Drake after ‘brutal and senseless murder’ of Gabrielle Marshall
The killer of Gabrielle Marshall has been given a life sentence for her 2021 murder. During sentencing, Justice Tamara Jago said the man was a danger to society.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An Ulverstone man has been given a life prison sentence for killing young Queensland mother, Gabrielle Marshall.
Colin William Drake stabbed the 23 year old to death on June 15, 2021.
She was found dead at her friend’s house on Main Street at Ulverstone.
Ms Marshall’s friend has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Drake initially entered a plea of not guilty in July 2021, however, he changed his plea to being guilty of murder in September 2023.
Ms Marshall had only been in Tasmania for a few weeks before her death, and had moved to Ulverstone from Queensland for a fresh start.
During sentencing in the Supreme Court in Burnie on Tuesday, Justice Tamara Jago said that while the motive behind the murder could have been either sexual or “to steal cigarettes”, there was no clear reason behind the killing.
“This was random violence committed against a stranger,” Justice Jago said.
“The contempt the defendant showed towards another human being can only be regarded with repugnance.
“Whatever the reason behind the defendant’s murder, it is apparent he is a danger to the community.”
“Ms Marshall’s senseless and brutal murder caused immense shock and extreme pain and suffering for her family.”
At the time of the murder, Drake was living in supported accommodation approximately 230 metres away from where he killed Ms Marshall.
Drake has a “mild intellectual disability”, with a recent assessment determining the 37-year-old had an IQ of 60, placing him in the bottom 0.4 per cent of the population for his age.
Justice Jago said she considered Drake’s crime “to be in the worst case category” and sentenced him to life in jail.
Drake will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years of his term.
More Coverage
Originally published as Life sentence for Collin William Drake after ‘brutal and senseless murder’ of Gabrielle Marshall
O’Byrne pulls plug on support for Ferguson, says Premier must act
The survival of key Liberal Michael Ferguson hangs by a thread after key independent David O’Byrne declared he had lost confidence in the beleaguered Treasurer and Deputy Premier. What Mr O’Byrne said >>
World-leading program which has reduced dementia risk by 25%
A five-year dementia study run out of UTAS is showing drops of 25 per cent in the dementia risk of its study participants. Here is what they are doing to stay healthier for longer.