Australia’s High Court will hear an appeal against the sentence given to the teenager who killed south-east Queensland woman Emma Lovell in 2022.
The man, who was 17 at the time of the offence, last year pleaded guilty to murdering Ms Lovell, 41, — admitting to stabbing her on her front lawn.
He broke into her North Lakes home, north of Brisbane, late on Boxing Day night and during a struggle with her and her husband Lee, he wounded them both.
Emma Lovell, pictured with her husband Lee Lovell, who was also injured in the attack. (Facebook: Lee Lovell)
He was initially sentenced to 14 years in detention and was ordered to serve 70 per cent of that time in custody.
Life after Emma Lovell’s murder
But in August, Queensland’s Court of Appeal ruled in his favour after he challenged the sentence and argued it was manifestly excessive.
As a result, he is now due to be released in 2031, after serving 60 per cent of his 14-year sentence.
Attorney-General ‘determined’ to seek justice
In a statement released on Friday, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the High Court had granted special leave to hear an appeal against the sentence.
“As attorney-general, I am determined to pursue all available legal options to seek justice for the Lovell family,” she said.
“Emma Lovell was a loving mother whose life was brutally stolen on her own front lawn.
Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington says she is determined to pursue all available legal options. (ABC News: Cameron Lang)
“The future hearing date for the appeal has not yet been set and will be determined by the High Court.”
The offender is currently due to be released in 2031, and he will remain on a supervision order until 2036.