NSW: Cop's family distraught at overturned murder conviction

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2007
NSW: Cop's family distraught at overturned murder conviction

SYDNEY, Feb 16 AAP - The family of slain NSW police officer Glenn McEnallay is "distraught"

that a second man jailed over his shooting murder has had his conviction overturned, says
the police association.

John Taufahema was found guilty of murdering Senior Constable Glenn McEnallay, who
was shot after pursuing a stolen car at Hillsdale, in Sydney's south-east, in March 2002.

Taufahema, one of four occupants in the car, was jailed for a maximum 24 years in 2003,
even though he did not fire the shot that killed the 26-year-old policeman.

The NSW Court of Criminal Appeal today upheld his appeal - in which he argued the jury
was not properly instructed - quashing the conviction and ordering a new trial.

He is the second man to have his conviction overturned after his brother, Montekiai
Taufahema, also successfully appealed in May last year.

NSW Police Association president Bob Pritchard said today's decision had angered the
police force and placed renewed distress on Constable McEnallay's family.

"They (the family) are distraught and certainly angry at the events, they want to see
justice done," Mr Pritchard said.

"We're very disturbed at the decision ... we need to move forward immediately, order
a new retrial and get on with it."

Mr Pritchard has called on the Director of Public Prosecutions to fast-track the retrial.

He said the police force had become used to the drawn-out processes of the judicial
system, with almost five years passing since Constable McEnallay was killed.

"In some cases, they've come to expect that these matters seem to go on forever, (but)
they need finality," he said.

"If (Taufahema's) guilty he should be put in jail and never be released."

Meanwhile, NSW Police Minister John Watkins said Premier Morris Iemma had spoken to
the McEnallay family and passed on his best wishes and support.

Mr Watkins said the court's decision to uphold the appeal was very disappointing for
Constable McEnallay's colleagues, family and friends.

"We just hope that the matter is dealt with very quickly through the court system and
that justice is done," he told reporters.

AAP cj/hn/it/sp

KEYWORD: TAUFAHEMA POLICE

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