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by Obi Akwani, MGV Editor
On Friday November 7, 2008 in the District Court of Townsville, Judge Michael Shanahan sentenced Lex Patrick Wotton to 7
years in jail less the one year he has already served awaiting trial. Thus Wotton will be eligible for parole in 2010
according to Queensland law.
Lex Patrick Wotton is the lone man held responsible for the rioting that followed the 2004 death-in-custody of fellow
Aborigine, Mulrunji Doomadgee, in Palm Island.
Throughout the trial there was a feeling among Aborigines that they would be denied justice in Wotton's case. Both his
family and community supporters expected the worst - life in jail or at best 10 to 20 years behind bars. The six-year jail
term has thus come as a relief to all of them.
Wotton's family expressed relief that he did not get a life sentence. They
have decided not to appeal the sentence for fear of prolonging the ordeal and risking a harsher sentence.
Indigenous rights campaigner Gracelyn Smallwood agrees with the family. Though she thinks Wotton's sentence is too long, she
is pleased that it was not longer. "With this system," she says, "I'm sure we don't want an appeal."
At least one Aboriginal leader has openly voiced his disappointment at the sentenced received by Wotton. Queensland
Aboriginal leader, Murrandoo Yanner says he is disappointed with Lex Wotton's six-year jail sentence.
"He [Wotton] has copped a very severe sentence really, six years for standing up for a mate and trying to prevent a cover up
for that mates death," Yanner said.
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