‘No justice for Nikki’: Neil Mitchell says the system failed Mildura toddler

Neil Mitchell says the system failed Mildura toddler Nikki Francis-Coslovich in life and in death. 

John Torney was accused of bashing the two-year-old to death, but was yesterday acquitted of her murder and manslaughter.

No further charges have been laid over her death.

The 32-year-old had admitted to hiding the child’s body, but has always maintained his innocence.

The toddler was found in the roof of her family home last year, sustaining injuries a pathologist likened to those seen in high-speed car crashes.

Authorities had been aware of her previous mistreatment, he said.

‘Even in death there is no justice for this little girl,’ Neil Mitchell said.

David Galbally QC explained why Torney’s criminal history and drug use was kept from the jury in the trial.

‘We put the relevant evidentiary material before juries to determine whether someone is guilty or not guilty,’ he said.

Click PLAY to hear Mr Galbally explain more: