Rev Fred Nile Calls For Justice Concerning David Carty’s Murder
The Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, in the NSW
Parliament, has called for a review of the Court decision to order the release
on parole of Edward Esho, who had been found guilty of the savage attack that
caused David Carty’s death.
Reverend the Hon. FRED NILE: I ask the Minister for Commerce,
representing the Premier and the Attorney General, a question without notice. Is
it a fact that Constable David Carty, aged 25, whilst on duty directed Edward
Esho, who was part of a gang, to stop using offensive and obscene language in a
public place? Is it a fact that, according to the trial judge, in Fairfield on
18 April 1997, without provocation, Edward Esho and his gang made a brutal,
ferocious and savage attack on Constable Carty when he was off duty? Is it a
fact that Esho, as part of the gang, launched a most brutal attack on Constable
Carty, which involved multiple stabbings of Constable Carty in the heart,
cutting and removing parts of his body, and punching and kicking him as he died
on the ground? Is it a fact that the Supreme Court overturned the decision of
the State Parole Authority to refuse Edward Esho early release on technical
grounds? Will the Government take urgent action to put Edward Esho back behind
bars for rehabilitation, and block any payment of compensation to him?
The Hon. JOHN DELLA BOSCA: I am advised that the State Parole Authority
is an independent, quasi-judicial body headed by a retired Chief Magistrate. I
am not in a position to intervene in the decisions of the State Parole
Authority, nor are any of my ministerial colleagues. I am advised that the
Attorney General has instructed the Crown Solicitor to file an appeal in the
Court of Appeal regarding the determination of the Supreme Court. That will not
change the decision on Esho's parole, although he will be supervised whilst on
parole and must abide by his parole conditions. Any breach of parole conditions
by Esho could see him returned to gaol. The Government has made a range of
reforms to the parole system in the past decade to place more emphasis on public
safety. In 2003, 185 parole orders were refused and in 2004 the number increased
to 480. Preliminary figures for the year ending 2005 show that 486 parole orders
were rejected by the authority.