Jason Roberts, who spent time in prison for murders he did not commit, has been awarded an undisclosed sum in compensation. The article details the events leading to his wrongful conviction and subsequent acquittal in 2022. During the initial trial, Roberts elected to go to trial after being sentenced to 40 years. The case involved conflicting testimony, including a claim from a co-defendant, Debs, that Roberts participated in the shootings. This claim was rejected by the jury. Despite his acquittal, Roberts now faces potential lawsuits from victims of armed robberies related to the events.
Both Roberts and the state government declined to comment on the settlement.
When he was told he would receive 40 years he elected to go to trial. In the retrial Debs said Roberts was with him and had shot Silk, a claim later rejected by the jury.
In the trial both the defence and prosecution accepted Rod Miller said after he was shot that there were two offenders, one on foot.
In 2022 Roberts was acquitted of the murders. In a further twist, victims from some of the armed robberies are considering suing Roberts for pain and suffering they suffered during the stick-ups.
Members of the original taskforce that arrested Debs and Roberts and the families of Silk and Miller have been informed that the Roberts’ compensation claim was to be settled for an undisclosed sum.
Roberts, through his lawyer, and the state government both declined to comment when contacted by The Age.
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