Law Reform Commission to review name suppression orders for juveniles once they turn 18

Juvenile offenders who have their identity suppressed by NSW courts could be named publicly once they turn 18 as part of an upcoming review into open justice by the NSW Law Reform Commission after it was revealed the unidentified “baby-faced killer” could be released.

Exclusive: Juvenile offenders who have their identity suppressed by courts may be named publicly once they turn 18 after it was revealed the unidentified “baby-faced killer” could be released.

Attorney-General Mark Speakman announced that a juvenile offender, known only as “DL” could be released after serving 13 years of his original sentence of 22 years for the stabbing murder of Central Coast teenager Tania Burgess as she walked home from school.

He was later resentenced to 18 years, to serve a minimum of 13.

“The identification of juvenile offenders once they turn 18 will be considered by the NSW Law Reform Commission (LRC) review into open justice in NSW,” said Mr Speakman.

“I expect terms of reference to be finalised in the near future.

I encourage anyone concerned about this issue to make sure their voice is heard by making a submission to the LRC.”

The unidentified killer of Tania Burgess could be released after serving 13 years of his original sentence of 22 years. Jail staff fear he may kill again.

Jail staff expressed grave concerns DL, who at the time was dubbed the “baby-faced killer” would “kill again” if released into the community.

Juvenile justice officers raised concerns that without identification DL appeared unassuming, leaving an uninformed public particularly vulnerable.

The family of Tania Burgess have also launched a change.org petition to the state government to have name suppression orders amended.

Mandy and Chris Burgess, the parents of Tania Burgess, outside court after their daughter’s killer was found guilty of murder.

Currently, a court that sentences a person convicted of a “serious children’s indictable offence” can authorise the publication of the offender’s name at the time of sentencing.

Last week, Mr Speakman announced NSW would review suppression orders and whether the media would be given access again to the alleged statements of facts in cases of accused people applying for bail.

Murder victim Tania Burgess was stabbed to death as she walked home from school.

He said the sweeping gag order which silenced the reporting of a high-profile case in Victoria late last year prompted him to order the view.

“Protecting the privacy of a perpetrator is not a ground for a suppression order or non-publication order,” he said.

“Protecting a victim is a ground of a non-publication order in a sexual assault matter and maybe incidentally to protect the identity of the victim you need to suppress the identity of the accused.”
Mr Speakman confirmed the Law Reform Commission would be presided over by two experienced judges, one current and one ex-judge, who would give expert advice on the matters.