Qld AG "shut down suggestions a child killer's sentence was too lenient" despite 10 hours of toture

In Jakob's Voice opinion, this a completely inappropriate response to a 2 year non parole period for a child killer who tortured a beloved and precious baby over a ten hour or more period.: THE Attorney General has shut down suggestions a child killer's sentence was too lenient, ruling out an appeal. But the family of toddler Hemi Goodwin-Burke are still charging ahead with a petition for tougher justice for child abusers in Queensland, despite the ruling on their son's case. In a letter to the family of toddler Hemi Goodwin-Burke, Attorney General Yvette D'Ath's office stated Matthew James Ireland's eight and a half year sentence for manslaughter, with possible release by March, 2019, was not manifestly inadequate. Further, the letter states any appeal would therefore fall flat. "Following a careful consideration of the particular facts of this case, it has been determined that there is no reasonable prospects that an appeal would be successful,” it reads. The letter describes Ireland's sentencing as "entirely a matter for the sentencing judge” and emphasises the "clear separation of powers” between lawmakers and administrators. Hemi's parents, Shane Burke and Kerri-Ann Goodwin, wanted prosecutors to take Ireland to trial for murder over Hemi's 2015 death. Their 18-month-old boy was punched and kicked over a number of hours by Ireland - Hemi's babysitter - and ultimately died when he hit his head on the side of a bathtub, after Ireland pulled his leg out from underneath him. Ireland pleaded guilty to a downgraded charge of manslaughter and his sentencing prompted Hemi's grandmother, Lyn Burke, to write to a raft of politicians, highlighting punishments for child killers in New South Wales, compared to Queensland. It took months to get a reply back from the Attorney General, which was sent by her chief of staff. "Mum was just appalled. We were all just appalled,” Mr Burke said. "It's not good enough. We're not accepting it. We've also written letters ourselves and we've had no response. "Not only was it a no, it says the Attorney General could have appealed until a month after (sentencing). But they waited until now to send it, it's way too late for any appeal.” Mr Burke described the decision as "just wrong” and the justice system and lawmakers as "disconnected” from victims, and the general public. The family are forging ahead with their Change.org petition, Qld Justice System Fails Hemi Goodwin Burke, which has nearly 4600 signatures.