Murder in the Outback - Viewers react to Peter Falconio documentary featuring former Sheffield student Joanne Lees
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Joanne Lees claimed her boyfriend, backpacker Peter Falconio, was shot and that she was tied up and kidnapped on a remote stretch of highway while they were on holiday in Australia in 2001.
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Hide AdShe said she then escaped and was rescued by a lorry driver, while 28-year-old Peter's body was never found. Later, in 2005, mechanic Bradley Murdoch was convicted of the killing and ordered to serve a minimum jail term of 28 years.
Joanne, 27 at the time, faced criticism for her behaviour following the horrific incident – she wore a top emblazoned with the words ‘Cheeky Monkey’ at an important press conference, then accepted large payments for a book about her ordeal and a high-profile interview with Martin Bashir. She went on to study sociology at Sheffield University.
Murdoch’s conviction was largely based on DNA evidence – but the four-part Channel 4 series, Murder in the Outback: The Falconio and Lees Mystery, has re-examined the case and the circumstances that led to Murdoch being found guilty.
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Hide AdA spot of DNA on Joanne’s T-shirt gave a match to Murdoch who, when he lost an appeal against his conviction and sentence in 2007, was told by judges this established ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ that he was present when she was attacked.
But, writing on social media, viewers suggested there was insufficient proof and called for a retrial.
“There’s no way someone can watch this and 100 per cent without a doubt think this is a fair conviction," a Twitter user called Jonny said.
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Another viewer, Duncan, wrote: “Great series on Channel 4 but can’t help thinking a retrial is the minimum that’s required.”
Tomo, a fellow Twitter user, argued that the case had 'more holes than Swiss cheese’, while Sarah said: “From what I’ve watched nothing adds up.”
Speaking to Australian TV in 2017, Joanne said she was determined to find Peter’s body.
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Hide Ad"Pete lost his life on that night but I lost mine too," she said.
Murder In The Outback is available to watch here.
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