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Heather's
Press Release
HEATHER OSLAND RELEASED FROM PRISON
FRIDAY JULY 22, 8AM
After being incarcerated for nine and a half years, Heather Osland is scheduled for release this Friday July 22 at 8am. A short statement will be given outside the gates of Tarrengower prison (near Maldon) at that time.
Heather Osland was convicted for the killing of her violent husband Frank Osland in 1996.
Later, at a separate trial, her adult son David, who struck the fatal blow that killed Frank Osland, was acquitted on the basis that he acted in self-defence of himself and his mother.
Despite the inconsistent verdicts, Heather's appeal to the High Court of Australia was rejected by a 3:2 decision in 1998. A petition of mercy on the grounds of compassion was also denied by the Bracks Government in 2001.
The Petition of Mercy is currently the subject of a Freedom of Information appeal, to ascertain the reasons for the Government's decision, to be reheard in VCAT, currently scheduled for August 8.
Heather's long-term advocate Christa Momot said Heather's initial plans on release would be to spend time with her children and grandchildren.
"Heather has been through two long ordeals - first at the hands of her brutal husband and second at the hands of the state who imprisoned her".
"She has been a model prisoner and plans to catch up on lost time with her grandchildren," Ms Momot said.
Heather's many supporters are relieved she is finally being released from prison and will continue to push for law reform.
"The end of Heather Osland's incarceration is a welcome relief to many women and men in the community," Executive Director of the Victorian Women's Trust Mary Crooks said.
"Heather's case demonstrates how vital it is for the Bracks Government to implement the Law Reform Commission's proposed changes to self-defence, so that other women don't suffer unnecessarily at the hands of the law like Heather has," Ms Crooks said.
If you wish to attend Heather's release, or for any other media inquiries
contact Pauline Spencer on 0424 795 561.
To contact Mary Crooks, phone the Victorian Women's Trust on (03) 9642 0422.
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