Slain cop Damien Leeding’s mother defends Brett Forte’s widow after she was ‘silenced’ at his inquest

The mother of slain police officer Damien Leeding says it’s ‘disgusting’ that the widow of another murdered officer was ‘silenced’ from speaking about her husband’s death.

The mother of slain police officer Damien Leeding has leapt to the defence of the widow of another murdered cop, Brett Forte, who claims she has been “silenced” by police from speaking about his death.

Senior-Constable Leeding’s mother Julie Waters said it was “disgusting” that Susie Forte had been prevented from reading her victim impact statement at an inquest into her husband’s death last week.

Damien Leeding's mother Julie Waters is disgusted that Susie Forte could not read her victim impact statement at the inquest. Picture Glenn Hampson

Senior Constable Brett Forte was murdered by fugitive gunman Ricky Maddison on May 29, 2017, after he lured police into an ambush in the Lockyer Valley.

There were extraordinary scenes in the Queensland Coroners Court on Friday after police lawyers objected to Mrs Forte, who is also a senior constable with the Queensland Police Service, being allowed to read her victim impact statement.

The lawyers, including one representing Commissioner Katarina Carroll, argued the 21-page statement should not even be accepted over concerns its contents were defamatory and even ‘scandalous’.

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

A furious Mrs Forte and other family members sprang to their feet in the courtroom to object.

“I have waited four and a half years to have my say,” Mrs Forte said.

“The QPS has not looked out for me whatsoever.

“They have tried to silence me. The truth hurts. What is in that statement is the absolute truth.

“I would not be here if my husband hasn’t been murdered.”

Ms Waters, whose son was fatally shot while trying to foil an armed holdup at the Gold Coast’s Pacific Pines Tavern in May 2011, said Mrs Forte should be able to detail her pain and suffering.

“I think it’s disgusting that she wasn’t allowed to read her victim impact statement,” she said.

“She needs to be able to say what she’s feeling and how it has impacted her. It’s a very important part of the healing process. It’s terrible that she wasn’t allowed to speak.”

Ms Waters, a prominent member of the Homicide Victims Support Group, said attempts had been made to silence her ‘but I just wouldn’t put up with it’.

“I speak my mind,” she said.

Susie Forte was not allowed to read her victim impact statement at the inquest. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The inquest has heard claims from Brett Forte’s police partner, Sen Const. Cath Nielsen, and Mrs Forte that they were bullied after asking questions about whether his murder was preventable.

On Friday Brett’s sister in law, Katy Forte, also pleaded with Coroner Terry Ryan to allow Susie to read her statement.

“We have stood here for two weeks in Toowoomba and had everyone else speak,’ she said.

“They have all had their opportunity. It is her turn to have her voice. It is her right to be heard.”

Brett’s brother Luke said: “Susie’s husband, my brother, is lying in a box in Toowoomba. Surely she gets the right to say what she’s going to say.”

Coroner Ryan adjourned the hearing for seven days, issuing a non-publication order on the contents of her statement to allow it to be properly examined as to whether it is suitable to be read aloud.