What happens next in Sue Neill-Fraser murder conviction appeal case

Reaction to the Susan Neill-Fraser decision was met with gratitude from her family and supporters, but questions were raised about how long it would take to reach a final outcome.

Sue Neill-Fraser's daughter Sarah Bowles addresses the media outside Hobart Supreme Court after her mother's bid for an appeal was approved. Picture: PATRICK GEE

REACTION to the Susan Neill-Fraser decision was met with gratitude from her family and supporters, but questions were also raised about how much longer it would be before a final outcome is reached.

Neill-Fraser returned to the Mary Hutchinson Women’s Prison on Thursday night and will now need to lodge an appeal with the Court of Criminal Appeal.

Her daughter Sarah Bowles spoke to media outside the Supreme Court in Hobart immediately following the decision.

MORE NEILL-FRASER COVERAGE:

NEILL-FRASER WINS APPEAL APPLICATION

JUSTICE BRETT’S FULL JUDGMENT

“We’re extremely grateful for Justice Brett’s decision today,’’ Ms Bowles said.

“However, we know that this is one step in the direction of what’s going to be a very long journey for us as a family and also for mum.

“We believe mum is an innocent woman and it’s time she came home and was with her grandchildren and have cuddles, and I want my mum back — it’s time.

Sue Neill-Fraser's daughter Sarah Bowles and her husband Mark leave Hobart Supreme Court after her mother's bid for an appeal was approved. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“I appeal to anybody out there in the community in the wider public who knows what happened to Bob, who has further information or can impact change, and can release an innocent woman and allow this miscarriage of justice to finally be resolved.

“Australia should not be satisfied with the way justice has unfolded in this case and we need to do better, because no other family should ever go through what we’re going through, ever again.”

SUE NEILL-FRASER CASE TIMELINE

DECISION IS IN THE INTERESTS OF JUSTICE

The Susan Neill-Fraser support group also released a statement following the court session, welcoming the decision, and thanked Justice Michael Brett for his “objectivity, professionalism and courtesy”.

“This is the first time in 10 years that Sue has been given reason for hope in her long quest for judgment,” the statement said.

“We remain deeply concerned for Sue’s wellbeing.

“Her case has highlighted the parlous state of the justice system in Tasmania — how much longer will she have to remain incarcerated while antiquated legal procedures unfold?”

The group also raised concerns about the use of taxpayer money in the ongoing prosecution by the state.

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