Australian Story

Australian Story returns to ABC next Monday and the first story is about Eugene McGee and the infamous court case etc.

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Permalink Reply by Gus K on February 5, 2012 at 12:16

Yes, as my comment on the next page says.

Permalink Reply by Tracey Gaudry on February 5, 2012 at 21:05

+1

Have spoken at length with Denis and Mary Safe, Amy Gillett's parents, this week about the pending Australian Story, and that they, like many South Aussies have followed this case passionately for 8 years, 2 years before Amy was killed.

The members of this site don't need a reminder about the vulnerability of the legal and enforcement system particularly in respect of vulnerable road users. Denis and Mary implore all Australian road users especially motorists to watch the story so it does hit the spot.

Their comments that they asked me to post "That this tragedy happened in the first place, and then the ensuing aftermath, are shocking reminders that we still have so much work to do towards shared respect and safety on our roads; and importantly, justice for all road users.   RIP Ian Humphrey".

Permalink Reply by Michael Murray on February 5, 2012 at 10:21
Permalink Reply by Gus K on February 5, 2012 at 10:56

It's going to be interesting to see the national coverage of this 2 part program. As some of you know I work for the ABC (but not TV) and the producer of this program works near me so I've known for a while this doco was being produced.

Talking to her last week about it she told me a little bit more which I won't give away but she fought hard to get this story on Australian Story because no one in the rest of the country knew about it or the significance of it. She wanted to tell the story because only a few months before Ian Humphry's death her own mother was knocked from her bike by a hit run driver (and seriously injured but not killed) and she was fighting for justice for her because the police at the time seemed not to care not interviewing her or taking photos.

One thing she told me, and this is what we all need to take away from this tragic accident, is since Ian Humphry's death and the public outrage at the findings and subsequent penalties, the laws for a driver hitting a cyclist have changed substantially and police now treat incidents much more seriously. It's sad that it took someone to lose their life for things to change.

Permalink Reply by Michael Murray on February 5, 2012 at 13:38

I was reminded of this story watching "Accused" last night on the ABC which had a women fighting for justice for her son who had been killed in an industrial accident.  

Permalink Reply by Greg Graham on February 5, 2012 at 19:47

The legal aspect of this is one thing - and obviously deeply flawed. However it is the human dimension that bothers me most. Mr McGee hit Mr Humphry and left him to die on the side of the road, then used his professional knowledge and training to avoid reponsibility for his actions. How anyone could do this is beyond me.

Permalink Reply by rossmg on February 5, 2012 at 21:34

McGee's comments are going to be, IMO, revealing.

Permalink Reply by Derek Hasel on February 5, 2012 at 21:32

Ian and I both worked at SAPOL at the same time, in the Admin field. He and I had lots of contact at work, given the nature of both of our duties. I still think about this guy and the effects that his death has had on his family. I am not sure whether I could watch McGee speak. He is a coward and below contempt, in my opinion. The fact that he was a Cop prior to becoming a Lawyer, just adds to my contempt of this man. I did once tell him to his face, of my contempt. Didn't make me feel any better but I hope that he realises that Ian had lots of friends and loved ones who I know miss him deeply. R.I.P. Mate.

Permalink Reply by Paul on February 6, 2012 at 19:43

I feel so sorry for that poor cyclists wife and kids.

The police and legal profession appears to be a real boys club.

Permalink Reply by heather on February 6, 2012 at 20:36

Derek, I stopped my compulsion to turn off the TV when McGee spoke. I learnt that Ian's job was rehabilitation for police officers. Then I wondered why an ex-police officer seemed to get a better deal than a deceased SAPOL person. But learnt that there was talk of being unable to find a prosecuting lawyer because McGee was a well-known lawyer and even no court case at all.

Di showed much persistence to get the system to conduct court cases and investigations, even though the outcome could have been better. I hope Di gets some consolation in that she moved mountains, and improved justice for other cyclists. The sea of cyclists outside Parliament House was inspiring, and this was before the AC forum and network.

Permalink Reply by Frank (GW) on February 6, 2012 at 19:40

Gripping and chilling viewing in many ways. Part 2 next week. Will be interesting to see the public reaction over the next week or so.

Permalink Reply by Martin Turner on February 6, 2012 at 20:06

Just watched Part I and found it hard to feel any sort of sympathy for McGee whatsoever.

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