Part of the email from Ian and Olivia Walton.
To: Our family and friends
From: Ian and Olivia Walton
Subject: PLEASE HELP
To our dear friends and family
Our extended family around the world and those of our friends folowing the news in AU will know the heartbreaking news that our sister-in-law Allison went missing on Arpril 20th and her body was found 11 days later. Last Wednesday, 13th June, my brother Gerard was arrested and charged with her murder. We completely support Gerard in his innocence and are unwavering in continuing to stand with him.
We have been led to believe that there are two key legal events between now and any trial that may commence.
1. This coming Thursday 21st June, Gerard will appear for a bail hearing. At this hearing there will be a determination as to whether or not he is able to be released from prison until such time as the trial begins – which we understand could be several years away.
2. In the next several months there will be a committal hearing. At this hearing, it will be determined on the ‘balance of probablilities’ whether there is any likelihood that Gerard may have committed this offence. If they feel this to be the case it will be referred to the Supreme Court, with a trial at a date to be determined (again, this could be several years away). I it is felt on this balance of probabilities that there is not sufficient evidence we underrstand that he will be released and the charges against him will be dropped.
We have been told by Gerard’s lawyer that he requires AU $30,000 by no later than this coming Wednesday evening, 20th June, or the bail hearing will not occur.
Oh Olivia! You have gone too far. One of the tenets of Christianity is to continuously examine your conscience so that you stay true to the teachings of Christ. Unless you are deaf, dumb and blind and have been on mars for the past two months how can you not know the weight of ill feeling towards your brother and the way that he has behaved since his beautiful wife went missing. To ask for assistance NOW to defend him is honestly, in my mind 'unchristian' and damaging to those who do try to follow the bible's teaching. It's called reap what you sow and if you truly care about your brother, how about telling him to get down on his knees, tell the truth and ask forgiveness from God and all those people who have been hurt and offended by his behavior, regardless if he is innocent or guilty. (will now come down from my pulpit)!!!!