The Chamberlains were railroaded

A COUPLE who helped search for baby Azaria say every camper at Uluru believed the Chamberlains were innocent.

A COUPLE who helped search for baby Azaria say every camper at Uluru believed the Chamberlains were innocent.

They believed Lindy and Michael were prosecuted because authorities were terrified tourism would be decimated by reports a dingo killed the child.

Melbourne couple Max and Amy Whittaker had arrived at Uluru only hours before Azaria was taken.

"We got to the Rock earlier that day, set up camp and then took some pictures of the sunset before heading back to make dinner," Mr Whittaker said.

"Then Michael came to our camp looking for help . . . he was upset. A dingo had taken the baby and his torch needed batteries.

"We spent the following day with Lindy and Michael. She was crying on Amy's shoulder and his voice was cracking. We saw them in private and everything in the press back then about them was rubbish."

Coroner Elizabeth Morris' findings in full

Analysis: Azaria ruling finally falls on the right side

The couple got to know the Chamberlains and, along with half a dozen others who were camping that night, remain in contact.

"I think they were rail-roaded by the NT justice system," Mr Whittaker said.

He said yesterday's ruling would finally give the Chamberlains peace. "I'm so pleased that at least they can now say, 'This is what happened to our baby'.

"That they can now say, 'A dingo took our baby'. Even so, I heard on the radio today people still don't think she was taken by a dingo. It's just ridiculous. Everybody in the camp site knew a dingo took the baby.

"It's a shame it's taken more than 30 years for the authorities to agree."