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Freeman cops life sentence
PLAY BELOW: Neil Mitchell and David Galbally discuss the procedure for today's sentencing, which will be streamed live.
PLAY BELOW: Arthur Freeman Sentencing from the courtroom, uncut and an absolute must-listen.
THOMAS HUNTER: The man who threw his four-year-old daughter off Melbourne's West Gate Bridge has been sentenced to life in prison, with a non-parole period of 32 years.
Darcey Freeman died after being thrown 58 metres to her death by her father, Arthur Phillip Freeman, on January 29, 2009. Freeman was last month found guilty of murdering Darcey by a Victorian Supreme Court jury.
Justice Paul Coghlan, in handing down Freeman's life sentence, said he had no doubt Freeman's behaviour at a family court hearing - when he broke down and sobbed - "was a result of your realising the enormity and awfulness of what you have done".
Advertisement: Story continues below "[Darcey's] last thoughts bear not thinking about. Her death must have been painful," he said.
"[The] killing [was done] in the presence of your sons Ben, who was 6, and son Jack, who was two at the time. The community hopes he will be too young to remember.
"You used your daughter to hurt your former wife as profoundly as possible. You chose a place remarkably public and would have the most dramatic impact."
Justice Coghlan said he was not satisfied Freeman's behaviour showed remorse, that he was self-centred and was "yet to say sorry for what your had done".
He said he was satsified Freeman contiuned to lack insight into what he had done and described his prospects for rehabilitation as "bleak".
Freeman will not be eligible for parole until January 29, 2041 - at which time he will be aged 67.
AUDIO: Listen uncut to Justice Paul Coughlan's sentencing statement
AUDIO: David Galbally QC and Neil Mitchell on sentencing procedure
ARCHIVE: That awful day captured
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Blog comments
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Why has Keli Lane only received 18 years with a minimum of 13 years for killing her new born baby? This legal system stinks.
Dave Smith Friday 15 April, 2011 - 2:17 PM -
While I agree a life sentence is probably a good outcome, however Julian Knight who killed 7 innocent people received a minimum term of 27 years. The fact that this sentence was broadcast live, I feel the Legal system used this as an opportunity to show the public they are tough on sentencing to get the media off their back. What about all of the violent murders that occur on a regular basis where people have been getting suspended and minimum sentences. It definitely rubs salt into the wounds of the families of these victims.
Dave Smith Tuesday 12 April, 2011 - 6:59 AM -
32 years will give Freeman plenty of time to reflect on what he has done he will be lucky to last that long
dottie Monday 11 April, 2011 - 9:47 PM -
Not enough for this mongrel,life should mean what it says,What about little Darcy's life??
Steve Monday 11 April, 2011 - 2:58 PM -
Is that all the mongrel got!? It doesn't sound like a 'life' sentence to me...(undoubted) protective custody should keep his sweet little bottom safe from the hands of any of the hardened crims, too. What a shame!! THERE IS NO JUSTICE!!
Deeley Monday 11 April, 2011 - 2:13 PM -
Finally a Court gets something right - that monster should rot in jail - NEVER even be considered for release! Hopefully Peta and the boys can now get on with their lives, good luck to you all. We will never forget dear little Darcy. xo
Pam B Monday 11 April, 2011 - 12:42 PM
