September 30th 2024.
In a recent court appeal, a man named Matthew John Davey attempted to use fabricated evidence from a fellow inmate to overturn his conviction for trying to kill his girlfriend. This disturbing incident took place in 2017 in Hobart's northern suburbs, resulting in Davey being sentenced to 18 years in prison in 2021.
It all began when Davey's girlfriend informed him that their relationship was over. In a fit of rage, he poured fuel on her in a shed and lit it with a cigarette lighter. The woman suffered severe burns to 68% of her body. This act was the culmination of persistent family violence, as Davey had previously threatened to kill his girlfriend if she ever left him. He also controlled her movements by damaging her car and constantly monitoring her.
Despite his attempts to appeal his conviction, the Supreme Court of Criminal Appeal in Tasmania dismissed Davey's case on September 20. He had claimed to have new evidence from a man named Brett Pickett, who allegedly saw the woman pouring petrol on herself during an altercation with another woman in a different suburb. However, the court found Pickett's evidence to be implausible and fabricated, as he had only come forward with this information in 2023, six years after the incident had occurred.
Justice Tamara Jago, who presided over the appeal, questioned why Pickett had waited so long to share this alleged evidence. She stated that his account was not credible and seemed to be a desperate attempt to assist Davey in his case. It was also revealed that Davey and Pickett had been housed together in prison for 216 days between 2017 and 2023, but Pickett claimed they were not friends, just acquaintances.
In addition to the fabricated evidence, Davey also tried to argue that his lawyer during the trial was incompetent. However, this claim was also dismissed by the court. The judge who sentenced Davey, Michael Brett, noted that he had shown no remorse for his actions and had even tried to cover up the crime by asking others to lie about how the fire started. The woman's account of the incident was found to be credible, and Davey was ultimately sentenced to a total of 22 years in prison for attempted murder and persistent family violence.
It is a harrowing reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help. Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT. Let us all strive towards a society where such heinous actions are not tolerated, and victims of abuse are given the support and resources they need to break free from their abusers.
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