Neill-Fraser’s former mother-in-law Sydne Ketcham speaks publicly for the first time
Sue Neill-Fraser has been described as ‘respectful, gentle and kind’ by her former mother-in law, who spoke at a rally calling for an inquiry into Bob Chappell’s death. What was said >>
Tasmania
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Sue Neill-Fraser’s former mother-in-law has spoken publicly for the first time to defend rumours she killed her first husband, describing her as “respectful, gentle and kind”.
Sydne Ketcham (pictured), 83, said she was “in disbelief that such a rumour could exist” after hearing it from a friend in the “Sandy Bay bridge circuit”.
“He (son Brett) was in court every day, he was in my life almost every day, we knew he was alive and well,” she said.
“I love Sue, we had a lot of fun together. She was a very good friend, easy going, intelligent and gregarious. She loved people, she loved having parties.”
Ms Ketcham said Neill-Fraser worked with horses, was always calm and “would never resort to physical harm ever”.
“We sat in that courtroom in shame first of all for what they were doing (to Sue),” she said.
“We were aghast at things that were allowed on the record that were entirely speculation.”
Ms Ketcham and Neill Fraser’s daughter Sarah Bowles both want a review of the case.
Ms Bowles said her mother, who is no longer in a wheelchair, had adjusted well to life outside prison and was loving being with her 8 and 10-year-old grandchildren who she’d spent most of the school holidays with.
“Her health has massively improved but she can still be unsteady on her feet,” she said.
“Nothing can make up for what she’s been through and the time we’ve lost.”
She said it was wonderful her grandmother had spoken so “beautifully and articulately” about Neill-Fraser.
“This is not about whether someone is found to be innocent or guilty or how people might feel about somebody, this is about the integrity of the justice system. This is about a miscarriage of justice,” Ms Bowles said.
Under her parole she is not allowed to talk to the media and is unable to leave Tasmania.
All smiles: Neill-Fraser makes rare public appearance at rally
A leading lawyer and Anglican priest have thrown their support behind an independent inquiry into the case which saw Sue Neill-Fraser convicted of killing her partner.
About 40 people, including Neill-Fraser, 69, attended a rally on parliament lawns in Hobart on Saturday calling for a federal inquiry into the criminal case.
Medical physicist Bob Chappell disappeared from his yacht on the River Derwent on Australia Day in 2009 and his body has never been found.
Neill-Fraser, who served 13 years for Mr Chappell’s murder and was released on parole in October 2022, mingled with supporters, smiling and warmly embracing many.
Peter Lavac, a Sydney lawyer who is helping the family of St Helens schoolgirl Eden Westbrook, who he believes was murdered nine years ago but the coroner found was suicide, said there were “striking similarities” between the two cases.
He said both were homicides and miscarriages of justice.
“They are inextricably linked,” Mr Lavac, a former Hong Kong prosecutor said.
“Sue was wrongly convicted and Eden’s family have for nine years been denied justice.
“Sue and Edie’s families have been let down badly by a broken and flawed criminal justice system and had forensic roadblocks put in their way.”
Mr Lavac said there was a need for an independent public inquiry by an interstate judge.
“The real killers are still walking free,” he said.
Anglican priest Reverend John Langlois said Neill-Fraser’s late mother Helen was a parishioner at his Battery Point church.
He said Neill-Fraser had talked to police for hours without a lawyer.
“It is ridiculous to think there could have been a conviction when there was no body, no weapon and no motive,” Rev Langlois said.
“The failures of the legal system are well documented, the jury was misled and that has stolen years of (Sue’s) grandparenting.”
He said “everyone was connected in Tasmania” and there needed to be a national review of the case.
Rosie Crumpton-Crook, the president of the Neill-Fraser Support Group, said it was important there was justice for Mr Chappell.
“Bob was a good man and he is sorely missed,” she said.
“Sue has been vilified for years and there are restrictions on her life. She has put up with derogatory comments from people in public.
“This is not going to go away.”
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