Not off topic, just changing direction a bit - I would like to point out that, IMO, Russell loved his wife, as no way was he going to hurt her by leaving her.
Despite differing views we might all have on infidelity, I really sympathise with the situation they all found themselves in.
Russell clearly loved his wife and family and sought to avoid causing them pain.
He could have (in practical terms) easily divorced Robyn, taken his share of the house, his super, and started anew out in the open with Carol - leaving Robyn in poor health, emotionally blindsided, financially disadvantaged (highly likely she had less super to play with being a woman and mother). Not to mention probably irreversibly displaced when faced with the near impossible task of trying to find something around the suburb they called home, but worth only half their property. Very good chance she would have had to move away from their friends and the area she was used to, possibly further from their daughters and grandchildren too. The impact on her would have been devastating on so many levels and he obviously knew that.
So despite the potential convenience divorce may have granted Russell himself, he chose to maintain his commitment to Robyn, going to great lengths to keep the affair discreet and lessen the impact on his family.
For all the dirt the defence hoped to use against the victims in court, there's not a single reference to Russell mistreating anyone, no rumours of explosive temper or ex coworkers divulging odd behaviour, mood swings or aggressive encounters - just camping mates concerned for their friend, a couple strangers thinking maybe he was a grumpy old man in passing, and at “worst” a prescription one might not want broadcast to the nation.
As far as I’m concerned, trying to love two women with care and discretion isn't the scandalous flaw portrayed by the media.
Big disclaimer too, by no means should any of this denigrate Robyn Hill. She has shown remarkable strength and empathy throughout the nearly five years of publicly enduring this ordeal. Not only have she and their daughters managed to carry on in their personal lives despite it all, they’ve also faced the court and media with nothing but honesty and grace, all in pursuit of justice for Russell.
Incredibly admirable, all of them.
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