Queensland’s top prosecutor has revealed he is planning an appeal to have Gerard Baden Clay’s murder conviction reinstated.
Director of Public Prosecutions Michael Byrne, QC, told the Government before Christmas that he is planning to file for special leave for an appeal on January 4, The Courier Mail reports.
January 4 is the eve of the appeal deadline and the day the High Court’s registry reopens after the holidays break.
The Court of Appeal downgraded Baden-Clay’s conviction from murder to manslaughter earlier this month.
The move comes after more than 122, 000 people signed a petition calling on Queensland’s Attorney-General to appeal the downgrading of Baden-Clay’s conviction, and thousands turned out for a rally in protest of the decision on December 18.
