Kathleen Folbigg breaks her silence after being pardoned and released from jail

Kathleen Folbigg has enjoyed her first night of freedom after being pardoned over her 2003 murder conviction, stating that she is “beyond happy”.

The 55-year-old was jailed in 2003 over the deaths of her children Sarah, Caleb, Laura and Patrick between 1989 and 1999.

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

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

Following her release, Folbigg released a video alongside her friend and supporter Tracey Chapman, thanking supporters and expressing her elation at being released.

“I can’t thank everybody enough for all of the support, and all the hard work that has gone into reaching this moment,” Folbigg said, as reported by 7 News.

“I’m beyond happy, it’s ridiculous. I’m in shock, so thank you.”

Chapman also released a statement in which she spoke of the pain and suffering Folbigg has endured over the last two decades.

“I know the past 20 years have been horrific for Kathleen, not least for the pain and suffering she has had to endure following the loss of her four children. They were gorgeous children,” she said.

“Caleb, even at 19 days old, was a placid baby with intense eyes and long fingers of a future piano player.

“Patrick, despite all his medical issues with epilepsy and blindness, was focused on discovering the world around him through his hands.

“Sarah was cheeky, poking her tongue when you called her name, and found fun and joy in the simplest of things – playing with her toys and chasing her dad around.

“Laura was an empathetic and compassionate little kid.

NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley announced the decision to release Folbigg, wishing her “well for the rest of her life”.

“This morning I met with the governor. I recommended that the governor should exercise the royal prerogative of mercy and grant Ms Folbigg an unconditional pardon,” he told reporters.

“The governor agreed. Ms Folbigg has now been pardoned.

“I think we all have to put ourselves in her shoes and let her now have the space that she needs to get on with her life.

“It has been a 20-year ordeal for her.

“We wish her well for the rest of her life.”

Inquiry chair Chief Justice Tom Bathurst is expected to deliver his final report on the inquiry in the coming weeks.