Pimpama deaths call for a change in Queensland's bail laws

The death of Queensland mum Teresa Marie Bradford has sparked a call for change in Queensland bail laws. Many believe that bail laws need to be tightened for those accused with domestic violence following the Pimpama deaths. The Pimpama deaths incident came to light after Queensland police found dead bodies of David Bradford and his wife Teresa Marie Bradford in their Pimpama home on Jan. 31.

Bradford was a former train driver, who was charged for domestic violence in November. However, he was released on bail after 44 days in custody. A Specialist Gold Coast domestic violence magistrate named Colin Strofield allowed David’s release just two weeks before the deaths.

A police report states that David was not staying with his family at the time of the death. He broke into their family home, while he was on bail and stabbed his wife to death in front of their three kids. He then killed himself. The kids first ran out to alert their neighbours and later called the police.

Bradford, who was surviving on his disability pension, was charged on four counts domestic violence in November. One of Teresa’s friends revealed that the November attack was very violent. David taped his wife’s mouth shut with a gaffer tape and beat her until she blacked out.

According to Mail Online, he dragged her by her hair across the kitchen. He then sat on her stomach and her for 25 minutes while she called the police, who charged him for choking, assault occasioning bodily harm, deprivation of liberty and common assault. Those close to Teresa knew that she was scared of what he would do next.

However, despite police protests, Strofield released David after his legal aid attorney argued that he had no criminal history. Teresa’s friends are joined by campaigners, Diane Mangan, the CEO DV Connect, and others from the state for a change in bail laws for those accused with domestic violence. Anti-violence campaigners like Rosie Batty believe that judges and magistrates need to be educated on domestic violence, states 9 News. They need to have a better understanding of domestic violence, the vulnerable periods and the danger zone for victims.

Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath believes it is too early to discuss the case. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has promised to take a look at the laws in her state. She said that changes could involves a refusal of bail if strangulation is involved. However, she wants the police to finish their investigation of the Pimpama deaths. She will then have a discussion with D'Ath and the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence before announcing a change. Until then, her thoughts and prayers are with the young Bradford children, who have lost their parents.