Falconio killer must serve 28 years

Last updated at 13:13 15 December 2005


A drug runner who killed British backpacker Peter Falconio has been told that he must serve at least 28 years in prison before being considered for parole.

Bradley Murdoch, 47, of Broome, Western Australia, was jailed for life for murdering Mr Falconio and abducting and assaulting his girlfriend Joanne Lees on a remote highway in the Australian Outback on July 14, 2001.

Jailing him, Chief Justice Brian Martin said Murdoch was a "cold-blooded" killer whose prospects of rehabilitation were minimal.

The judge also praised Miss Lees's courage as he also sentenced Murdoch to four years for depriving Miss Lees of her liberty and two years for unlawful assault with aggravating factors.

All three sentences will be served concurrently.

Murdoch showed no emotion as he was jailed, but looked at the judge and moved quickly from his seat to the cells when sent down.

The judge said he was "satisfied there is a complete lack of remorse".

The court also heard Murdoch had been given a suspended three-month sentence on February 5 1980 for causing death by dangerous driving in South Australia.

In the public gallery at the back of the court, Miss Lees put her hand to her mouth and Mr Falconio's brother Nick placed his arm around her shoulder when the sentence was announced.

Outside court, Mr Falconio's father said he was "very happy indeed" with the sentencing, but no-one else would comment to reporters.

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