Four years ago, Rebekah Porter’s daughter was taken from her – but she couldn’t talk about it because of protections put in place by the courts for her killer.
Bridgette Porter, affectionately known as Biddy, was just 10 years old when she was killed by a teenager she knew and trusted.
Her killer was found guilty of murder but not criminally responsible due to mental health reasons.
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“Bridgy was a beautiful girl, very clever, she was athletic, she was funny, she was gifted and she was my baby,” Mrs Porter said.
“I don’t think it’s something you ever come to terms with.”
Biddy’s injuries were so horrific that they are covered by a suppression order along with the identity of her killer.
Until recently, Biddy’s parents couldn’t even put her face to her story.
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“I spent 22 years in the police force before being elected to parliament,” Member for Orange Phil Donato said.
“It was probably the most horrific crime I’ve ever heard about.”
“I couldn’t believe it, it just made me feel like she didn’t matter, it made me feel like she was invisible, she didn’t have a name, or a face, no identity,” Mrs Porter said.
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Biddy’s parents started a petition after finding out the girl’s killer was eligible for day release after three years in custody. They want a parliamentary inquiry into the way the DPP and the Mental Health Review Tribunal handled Biddy’s case, and are pushing for systemic reform.
“There’s a lot of reforms that could be made to victims’ services and I think a lot of other victims of crime could testify to that,” Mrs Porter said.
Biddy’s voice was heard in parliament today with her family hoping it will lead to change.
“I never want this to happen to anyone else,” Mrs Porter said.
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