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LEX WOTTON TRIAL: Union wants MP to apologise to Palm Island police
ISSUE 164 - 16 Oct 2008
By Nadine McGrath
NATIONAL, October 26, 2008: Queensland Labor MP Mike Reynolds should apologise for publicly supporting the Palm Island rioters, a police union says.
Queensland Police Union president Cameron Pope yesterday accused the Townsville MP, who is also Queensland parliamentary Speaker, of publicly supporting rioters' actions.
A Brisbane District Court jury on Friday found Palm Island man Lex Wotton, 40, guilty of inciting a riot on November 26, 2004 that destroyed the island's police station, courthouse, a vehicle and an officer's residence.
The unrest erupted after the release of post-mortem findings on the body of 36-year-old Mulrunji Doomadgee, who died in police custody a week earlier.
At the time of the riots Mr Reynolds called on Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson to reconsider his decision not to stand down Snr Sgt Hurley.
Mr Reynolds expressed his support when Snr Sgt Hurley was later charged with manslaughter and assault after a review of the case by former New South Wales chief Justice Laurence Street.
Snr Sgt Hurley was later acquitted of manslaughter.
"I particularly congratulate the Australian newspaper for the long fight and campaign they have waged on behalf of the most disadvantaged people in Australia," the paper reported Mr Reynolds as saying on January 27, 2007.
Mr Pope said Mr Reynolds should now apologise to police officers who feared for their lives during the riots.
"It is quite clear now he has publicly supported the actions of criminals," Mr Pope said.
"He should have waited until the proven facts came out and were known before making any comment against the police and as such should apologise."
During the 14-day trial, the court was told Mr Wotton led an angry mob of residents on a rampage around the island, destroying property and threatening police on November 26, 2004.
"The officers on the island were... calling their loved ones and telling them they did not think they would see them again and may die," Mr Pope said.
"I can't fathom how horrifying it must have been for these police."
Mr Pope also attacked Mr Wotton's friend and Aboriginal activist Sam Watson who, in criticising the jury's decision, referred to a lack of respect for Aboriginal culture.
"You have an all-white court: a white judge, white lawyers, a white jury deciding on the merits of a case that involves very deep Aboriginal cultural issues," Mr Watson told reporters outside court.
Mr Pope said it was not Aboriginal culture to burn down buildings.
Mr Wotton is due to sentenced on November 7 in Townsville District Court.
However, his lawyers are expected to lodge an appeal against the conviction.
A number of other Palm Island residents have already been sentenced for their role in the riots.
Comment has been sought from Mr Reynolds. - AAP
 
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