The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) is deeply concerned by the potential transitional release of Scott Alexander McDougall, who was convicted in 2011 for the horrific murders of Struan Bolas and Julie Tattersall at a Downer residence in September 2008. During a late-night drinking session, McDougall used a meat cleaver to murder Mr Bolas, then murdered Ms Tattersall, before setting the house on fire to destroy evidence.
In a judge-alone trial, Justice Malcolm Gray sentenced McDougall to two consecutive life terms, one for each murder, and an additional five years for arson. This was among the harshest penalties ever handed down in the ACT and marked the territory’s first murder conviction since 1995.
McDougall later appealed in 2013, claiming self-defence and intoxication, but the ACT Court of Appeal rejected his arguments, affirming the deliberate and brutal nature of his actions.
The AFPA strongly opposes any consideration of his release. These crimes were not impulsive; they showed clear intent and a disturbing effort to conceal what he had done. His earlier release from a Queensland prison after serving time for stabbing a man in 2007, further highlights the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
In sentencing, Justice Gray called McDougall’s crimes “chilling, brutal and callous,” and noted his lack of remorse and the danger he continues to represent.
The AFPA is also concerned about current ACT legislation that allows a person who has served just 10 years of a life sentence to apply to the Attorney-General for early release on a licence. This provision raises serious questions about whether the justice system is adequately protecting the community from individuals who have committed the most serious and violent crimes.
We urge the relevant authorities to reject any application for release, and we call on the ACT Government to review the laws and legislation that allow people serving consecutive life sentences to be considered for release.
Community leaders and elected officials must ensure the severity of these crimes is not forgotten and that the voices of the victims’ families remain central to the conversation. Some crimes are so extreme they demand lifelong accountability. Justice must not be compromised by premature or unwarranted release.
Media Contact:
AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts – (02) 6285 1677 – troy.r@afpa.org.au
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) is deeply concerned by the potential transitional release of Scott Alexander McDougall, who was convicted in 2011 for the horrific murders of Struan Bolas and Julie Tattersall at a Downer residence in September 2008. During a late-night drinking session, McDougall used a meat cleaver to murder Mr Bolas, then murdered Ms Tattersall, before setting the house on fire to destroy evidence.
In a judge-alone trial, Justice Malcolm Gray sentenced McDougall to two consecutive life terms, one for each murder, and an additional five years for arson. This was among the harshest penalties ever handed down in the ACT and marked the territory’s first murder conviction since 1995.
McDougall later appealed in 2013, claiming self-defence and intoxication, but the ACT Court of Appeal rejected his arguments, affirming the deliberate and brutal nature of his actions.
The AFPA strongly opposes any consideration of his release. These crimes were not impulsive; they showed clear intent and a disturbing effort to conceal what he had done. His earlier release from a Queensland prison after serving time for stabbing a man in 2007, further highlights the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
In sentencing, Justice Gray called McDougall’s crimes “chilling, brutal and callous,” and noted his lack of remorse and the danger he continues to represent.
The AFPA is also concerned about current ACT legislation that allows a person who has served just 10 years of a life sentence to apply to the Attorney-General for early release on a licence. This provision raises serious questions about whether the justice system is adequately protecting the community from individuals who have committed the most serious and violent crimes.
We urge the relevant authorities to reject any application for release, and we call on the ACT Government to review the laws and legislation that allow people serving consecutive life sentences to be considered for release.
Community leaders and elected officials must ensure the severity of these crimes is not forgotten and that the voices of the victims’ families remain central to the conversation. Some crimes are so extreme they demand lifelong accountability. Justice must not be compromised by premature or unwarranted release.
Media Contact:
AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts – (02) 6285 1677 – troy.r@afpa.org.au
