A grateful Kathleen Folbigg breaks her silence following landmark acquittal

After having long endured the weight of an unjust conviction, Kathleen Folbigg has expressed her heartfelt gratitude in an emotional statement following the overturning of her murder conviction.

Folbigg was imprisoned in 2003 after being convicted for the deaths of her children—Sarah, Caleb, Laura, and Patrick—occurring between 1989 and 1999.

However, a recent inquiry into her murder and manslaughter convictions revealed fresh scientific evidence which found there was “reasonable doubt” regarding Folbigg’s guilty verdict.

Folbigg, who has always maintained her innocence, was released on Monday, June 5 after having completed 20 years of her 25-year sentence.

Following years of legal battles, the once vilified Australian mother was acquitted of all charges in the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal on Thursday, December 14.

Following the judgement Folbigg, joined by her friend and long-term supporter Tracy Chapman, told reporters that she is hopeful “no one else will ever have to suffer what I suffered”.

“The time this has taken has cost many people a lot, not just financially but emotionally,” Folbigg said outside of court.

“For almost a quarter of a century, I faced disbelief and hostility.

“I suffered abuse in all its forms.”

Folbigg became emotional as she extended her appreciation to the individuals responsible for the scientific breakthroughs that vindicated her.

“I am grateful that updated science and genetics has given me answers as to how my children died however even in 1999, we had legal answers,” she said.

“The system preferred to blame me rather than accept that sometimes children die suddenly, unexpectedly and heartbreakingly.

“My children are here with me today and they will be close to my heart for the rest of my life.”

While Folbigg is grateful for her freedom, she took a moment to shed light on the injustices faced by others who have been wrongly incarcerated.

“We need to be humble and open to improving the system to ensure truth is revealed, because truth and correct legal outcomes matter,” she said.

The acquittal signals the end of a deeply solemn chapter in Folbigg’s life, signifying more than just a legal triumph—it stands as a personal victory for her, having withstood the burden of accusations and a prolonged period of incarceration.

As the shadows of suspicion dissipate, Folbigg can now embark on the journey of rebuilding her life, finally witnessing the scales of justice tip in her favour.

-with AAP.