Falconio killer to serve 28 years

Murdoch consistently denied responsibility for the killing

Australian Bradley Murdoch will serve at least 28 years in prison before being considered for parole for murdering UK backpacker Peter Falconio.

The tariff was set at the Northern Territory Supreme Court in Darwin.

On Tuesday, a jury convicted Murdoch 47, of Broome, Western Australia, of murder and of abducting and assaulting Mr Falconio's girlfriend Joanne Lees.

Mr Falconio, 28, was killed on an outback road north of Alice Springs in 2001. His body has never been found.

I am drawn to the conclusion that your prospects of rehabilitation are minimal Chief Justice Brian Martin See the sentencing

Sentencing Murdoch, Chief Justice Brian Martin described him as a cold-blooded killer who had shown no signs of remorse.

"It is to be hoped, Mr Murdoch, that one day in the future while Mr Falconio's parents are young enough and in sufficient health to find some peace, you will see your way clear to help them find their peace, by disclosing where you buried the body of their son."

"Given your current attitude, I am not hopeful that you will ever co-operate to this extent," he said.

He added: "I am drawn to the conclusion that your prospects of rehabilitation are minimal."

Girlfriend's statement

The jury had heard how, on 14 July 2001, Murdoch flagged the couple down in their orange camper van, shooting Mr Falconio, from Hepworth, Huddersfield, and threatening Miss Lees by pointing a gun to her head before tying her up.

At the hearing in Darwin on Thursday the court heard how Miss Lees, from Brighton, had nightmares about going to prison after her boyfriend was murdered.

In a statement read to the court, she said she also felt guilty about being so close to Mr Falconio when he was attacked but unable to do anything.

Pete was in the prime of his life - I never imagined not being with him and not sharing my life with him Joanne Lees

Miss Lees said: "On the night this crime was committed I thought I was going to be raped and murdered.

"I thought I would never see my family again.

"He [Mr Falconio] was the person who I knew the best and loved the most. He was the one I would travel the world with and shared other experiences with.

"Pete was in the prime of his life. I never imagined not being with him and not sharing my life with him."

She said she had felt aspects of the investigative process were "hurtful" and she felt "sceptical, untrusting, fearful, heartbroken".

"It's lonely being me," she said.

'Marriage strain'

In another statement, Peter's mother Joan said she had gone to Australia to see justice done. And she said she almost lost her marriage after her son's death.

"Peter was a very kind and caring person," she said. "He always had time to listen to people. He was popular, outgoing and made friends easily."

When she last spoke to him the day before his death she said he was laughing and joking, but the next day "our lives changed forever".

When she heard what had happened: "I fell to my knees. I could never tell you the depth of my feelings.

"The tension was so great I thought our marriage was going to collapse."

Drug runner

Both statements were read to the court by Rex Wild QC, the Director of Public Prosecutors.

A total of 85 witnesses were called during the trial at the Northern Territory Supreme Court, including Miss Lees and Murdoch.

During her evidence, Miss Lees told how she managed to escape and hide in the bush for five hours before being rescued on the Stuart Highway.

In his evidence, Murdoch admitted he was a drug smuggler who transported "large quantities" of cannabis through central Australia.

He also admitted to carrying firearms, but he was adamant that he was not a killer.

The jury disagreed, taking less than one day's deliberation to find him guilty after a nine-week trial.