Samantha Fraser’s children sue killer dad Adrian Basham over her death

The grief-stricken children of slain mum Samantha Fraser are suing their father, who brutally bashed her to death at her Phillip Island home before staging the scene as a suicide.

The grief-stricken children of slain mum Samantha Fraser are suing their killer father.

The Basham siblings – Jemima, now 15, April, 13, and Rex, 11 – have launched civil proceedings in the County Court, seeking damages from Adrian Basham.

Basham, 47, is serving a life term of imprisonment for murdering Ms Fraser at her Phillip Island home in July 2018.

The evil dad lay in wait as his former wife parked her car in the garage after dropping the children at school, inflicting 41 injuries in a brutal bashing, before staging the scene as a hanging suicide.

The devoted mother, who had celebrated her 38th birthday a day earlier, was found after she failed to pick up the children from school.

In a writ this week filed with the court, the three siblings and Ms Fraser’s parents Janine and Trevor Fraser, who now have custody of their grandkids, are seeking compensation for psychiatric injuries, anxiety and depression suffered after her death.

Samantha Fraser was murdered by her husband, Adrian Basham, on Philip Island.

Samantha Fraser had celebrated her 38th birthday a day before her death.

“Each of (the plaintiffs) have incurred and will continue to incur medical treatment costs,” the document states.

The children have also claimed the loss of financial support they would have received from their mother if she remained alive.

“As a result of the murder, each of the (children) have suffered a loss of dependency and seek damages,” a statement of claim reads.

During Basham’s pre-sentence hearing, his eldest daughter, Jemima, bravely told her father of her struggles, including being bullied at school, since he killed her mum.

Police leave Samantha Fraser’s home in Cowes. Picture: David Geraghty

“I have struggled in the years since mum was taken from us,” she said.

“And even with the support, it’s just so unimaginably hard.

“But I am here today to show people that I am a fighter, and we will get justice.”

Her younger sister, April, described how her life had been flipped upside down, with her heart breaking knowing her mum isn’t going to be there for future milestones.

“He took the best part of my heart away by taking her away,” the then nine-year-old said.

Janine and Trevor Fraser also detailed in court how the responsibility of caring for their three grandchildren has had emotional, financial and social impacts.

They said the children often worry about their grandparents not being around as they grow older.

Mrs Fraser explained how she relies on medication for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Adrian Basham is serving a life term of imprisonment.

The published poet and former children’s author also no longer has the energy or time to write.

Mr Fraser said his plans for a quiet, uncomplicated retirement have been replaced with caring for and comforting the children, driving them to after school activities and looking after their pets.

The compensation claim comes after Basham last November lost a bid to keep the Cowes home where the murder took place.

He became the sole owner of the Seagrove Way property after Ms Fraser was killed, and had hoped to use the asset to bankroll an appeal against his conviction.

Basham’s earliest chance at release on parole is when he is in his 70s. Picture: NCA NewsWire

But the Director of Public Prosecutions successfully sought to have it confiscated, along with his motorbike which he rode to the murder scene, with any proceeds expected to go to Ms Fraser’s children.

Basham denied killing Ms Fraser, but a jury found him guilty following a five-week trial.

In sentencing him in February last year, Supreme Court judge Lesley Ann Taylor told him he deserved to remain behind bars for the rest of his life for his “abominable”, “cold” and “premeditated” conduct.

She said Ms Fraser had been living in fear of her estranged husband, with a court order prohibiting him from going anywhere near her.

Her murder came a week before she was due to testify against him in court over allegations he had raped her.

Basham’s earliest chance at release on parole is when he is in his 70s.

He is yet to lodge an appeal.