Murder of Rye’s Joy Rowley sparks Coroner call for police review

THE State Coroner has urged a review of police handling of fatal family violence cases following the death of a Rye woman at the hands of her former partner.

THE State Coroner has urged a review of police handling of fatal family violence cases following the death of a Rye woman at the hands of her former partner.

Judge Sara Hinchey on August 2 handed down her findings into the murder of 60-year-old Joy Maree Rowley, who was killed in 2011.

In 2012 James Martin Mulhall was sentenced to 19 years in jail, with a minimum of 16 years.

An inquest held in May this year heard Ms Rowley had contacted police multiple times over Mulhall’s aggression.

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There had been a number of family violence incidents between the pair before her death. Warrants issued were not properly recorded or executed and there was a failure to refer Ms Rowley to appropriate services or agencies.

Also, bail conditions were not accurately recorded, there was a delay in criminal proceedings and family violence policies had also not been adhered to.

Ms Rowley met Mulhall in 2010, who unbeknown to her, had a history of firearm offences, including one involving his former wife.

James Martin Mulhall, 57, is serving 19 years behind bars for the 2011 murder of Joy Rowley.

He also had a violent and abusive past, and according to his second wife and daughter, was a “dangerous man”.

He moved into her home in January 2011, and although he believed they were partners, she thought they were more like friends.

In February he attacked her, choking her and threatening to kill her with a knife before leaving in a taxi.

In October he strangled her with his hands and a necktie, before smothering her with a pillow.

After the May inquest Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Dean McWhirter apologised to the family, accepting there had been failures.

Judge Hinchey said while commending police efforts to improve their systems, the lack of a review into Ms Rowley’s death was a “lost opportunity”.

She recommended systemic reviews of all family violence-related deaths and annual appraisals into the resources needed for support services.

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