Australia Samantha Murphy, 51, last seen leaving her property to go for a run in the Canadian State Forest, Ballarat, 4 Feb 2024 *Arrest* #13

[Sor Juana]

To be fair, news outlets (such as Daily Mail) aren't always accurate in the words they choose to use. Perhaps they meant engaged or similar, where money didn't necessarily change hands.

All news reports consistently used the term 'hired'

 

[Sor Juana]

Previous threads, particularly threads #12 and #13 have discussed all of this including Barristers, legal aid and reps, and thoughts on how Stephenson is funding it all.

Re the rural property listed, I think you are referring to the Scotsburn home Stephenson was residing in at the time of his arrest. This property didn’t belong to his family.

Stephenson is believed to have been living between this property and another one located less than 100m away on Yendon No 2 Road with his girlfriend prior to his arrest.

The MSM reported that PS lived between two properties, one of which was a rental. The property listed for sale had been on the market since November of the previous year - prior to the crime - and was owned by his family.

 

[Porky1]

Vehicle telemetrics?
If you know that both parties in fact have all of the evidence that you have listed, please provide a source for that information.

It’s just 21st century investigative practices - no source required.

Telemetrics has been discussed in this thread at low level. We are all limited by the detail released to the public. Iam looking forward to hearing how VicPol came to their conclusion so quickly.

 

[HoneyBunOne]

View attachment 580838

All news reports consistently used the term 'hired'

You could very well be right that his lawyer was hired for payment.

Just out of curiosity, if you Google "does the word hired always mean for payment?" The answer is no, not always. Just as an example, you can be hired to a position such as a local basketball coaching role, but it could be voluntary. The lifeblood of local sports is its volunteer base.

 

[SouthAussie]

The property listed for sale had been on the market since November of the previous year - prior to the crime - and was owned by his family.

I believe the Scotsburn property belonged to a family friend, not PS' parents.
I am not sure that PS' parents had as much money as is being imagined.

imo


Patrick Stephenson, 22, and his long-term girlfriend [MH], 22, were house-sitting a family friend's property in Scotsburn ....

Inside the romantic relationship of Samantha Murphy's accused killer

Patrick Stephenson, 22, and his long-term girlfriend Meg Harbour, 22, were house sitting a Scotsburn property, south of Ballarat, on Wednesday when the premise was raided by police.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Rocket333]

Stephenson is believed to have been living between this property and another one located less than 100m away on Yendon No 2 Road with his girlfriend prior to his arrest.

The MSM reported that PS lived between two properties, one of which was a rental. The property listed for sale had been on the market since November of the previous year - prior to the crime - and was owned by his family.

Stephenson and his gf were house sitting at a Yendon Road property. The gf’s parents live on the neighbouring rural property.

Stephenson was arrested at the house sit property which was owned by Andrew Lorensene. Lorensene sold the house after the arrest.

 

[Rocket333]

<modsnip - quoted post was removed for cleanup. This post is referring to whether telemetrics will be used in this case>

Logical inferences are a cornerstone of sleuthing. This is a logical inference based on a crash expert being a proposed witness, and telematics are commonly used and usually include vehicle tracking, driving behaviour, and crash analysis.

 

[Porky1]

Vehicle telemetrics?
If you know that both parties in fact have all of the evidence that you have listed, please provide a source for that information.

Sorry Spectrix, I meant they have access to all manner of things, none of us know what forms part of the ‘unprecedented evidence’ which will be used by DPP. I think it’s fair to say we (Webslueths) are expecting that it will include a wide range of technology.

 

[Spectrix]

Sorry Spectrix, I meant they have access to all manner of things, none of us know what forms part of the ‘unprecedented evidence’ which will be used by DPP. I think it’s fair to say we (Webslueths) are expecting that it will include a wide range of technology.

Gotcha, thank you for clarifying

 

[Sor Juana]

You could very well be right that his lawyer was hired for payment.

Just out of curiosity, if you Google "does the word hired always mean for payment?" The answer is no, not always. Just as an example, you can be hired to a position such as a local basketball coaching role, but it could be voluntary. The lifeblood of local sports is its volunteer base.

It would be difficult to believe that a high-profile lawyer like Paul Galbally would take on the case of a tradie accused of murder purely out of charity. Given the considerable resources, expertise, and time required to handle a high-stakes case, it's unlikely that such an experienced and respected professional would offer their services without some form of compensation. While it is admirable that some lawyers are committed to pro bono work, particularly in high-profile cases, the logistics and complexity of a murder trial typically demand financial backing or at least a formal arrangement. The legal and reputational value that Galbally brings to the table is certainly not something that would be offered for free, especially without clear reasoning or context to support such an arrangement.

 

[Sor Juana]

I believe the Scotsburn property belonged to a family friend, not PS' parents.
I am not sure that PS' parents had as much money as is being imagined.

imo


Patrick Stephenson, 22, and his long-term girlfriend [MH], 22, were house-sitting a family friend's property in Scotsburn ....

Inside the romantic relationship of Samantha Murphy's accused killer

Patrick Stephenson, 22, and his long-term girlfriend Meg Harbour, 22, were house sitting a Scotsburn property, south of Ballarat, on Wednesday when the premise was raided by police.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Maybe, but some news reports referred to it as family-owned.

 

[SouthAussie]

It would be difficult to believe that a high-profile lawyer like Paul Galbally would take on the case of a tradie accused of murder purely out of charity. Given the considerable resources, expertise, and time required to handle a high-stakes case, it's unlikely that such an experienced and respected professional would offer their services without some form of compensation. While it is admirable that some lawyers are committed to pro bono work, particularly in high-profile cases, the logistics and complexity of a murder trial typically demand financial backing or at least a formal arrangement. The legal and reputational value that Galbally brings to the table is certainly not something that would be offered for free, especially without clear reasoning or context to support such an arrangement.

We will have to see if Paul Galbathy is still representing PS for the murder charge. In PS' last court appearance for this case Moya O'Brien represented him. Moya is also a barrister, and is on the Legal Aid approved barristers list.

PS' parents lived in a middle class house in Ballarat.
They did not own the Scotsburn property, Andrew Lorensene owned that. (Rocket333 gave you the link for that)

And I don't think that PS' dad even had a business premises. His advertised business listing was his home address in Ballarat (as posted here before). Just a small contractor whose wife was a primary school teacher.


"Moya O'Brien, said she was yet to receive the CCTV footage and would need time to review it."
'Unprecedented' volume of evidence compiled for Samantha Murphy murder case, court hears

 

[Marg944]

March, 2024

Patrick Stephenson, 22, and his long-term girlfriend Meg Harbour, 22, were house-sitting a family friend's property in Scotsburn, 19km south of Ballarat, when police raided the premises on Wednesday morning and arrested the electrician.

Inside the romantic relationship of Samantha Murphy's accused killer

Patrick Stephenson, 22, and his long-term girlfriend Meg Harbour, 22, were house sitting a Scotsburn property, south of Ballarat, on Wednesday when the premise was raided by police.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[HoneyBunOne]

We will have to see if Paul Galbathy is still representing PS for the murder charge. In PS' last court appearance for this case Moya O'Brien represented him. Moya is also a barrister, and is on the Legal Aid approved barristers list.

PS' parents lived in a middle class house in Ballarat.
They did not own the Scotsburn property, Andrew Lorensene owned that. (Rocket333 gave you the link for that)

And I don't think that PS' dad even had a business premises. His advertised business listing was his home address in Ballarat (as posted here before). Just a small contractor whose wife was a primary school teacher.


"Moya O'Brien, said she was yet to receive the CCTV footage and would need time to review it."
'Unprecedented' volume of evidence compiled for Samantha Murphy murder case, court hears

Exactly! The only difference between the Stephenson's and Mr & Mrs Average, is that he had some low level fame for a few years, a decade ago. Oh, and their son is accused of murder. That sets them apart too.

 

[Trooper]

It would be difficult to believe that a high-profile lawyer like Paul Galbally would take on the case of a tradie accused of murder purely out of charity. Given the considerable resources, expertise, and time required to handle a high-stakes case, it's unlikely that such an experienced and respected professional would offer their services without some form of compensation. While it is admirable that some lawyers are committed to pro bono work, particularly in high-profile cases, the logistics and complexity of a murder trial typically demand financial backing or at least a formal arrangement. The legal and reputational value that Galbally brings to the table is certainly not something that would be offered for free, especially without clear reasoning or context to support such an arrangement.

A high profile lawyer, like Paul Galbally, and like his father Frank certainly would not take on the case, any case out of charity. That is why Victorian Citizens have access to Legal Aid. As does any Australian convicted of a serious crime. It is tax payer funded, but the philosophy behind it is universal.

The state has power . Power to take you off the streets, power to accuse you, power to inhibit your freedom to come and go. To balance this power, every citizen is entitled to legal aid. Depending on one's circumstances , it is funded by the rest of us. Mainly because it could be one of us, any day.

How this works is like this. A panel of qualified citizens, former judges, former barristers, etc, convene and discuss the mitigating factors that would apply in the case of Mr Stephenson. Accused of a heinous crime, age 21 ( at the time ) no collateral, no property, His parents are not responsible for his financial woes, he being 21 and an adult.. No point in impoverishing the family , his sisters etc.. So they discuss and finally agree to fund his legal representation out of funds allocated for the purpose by the VIC Govt.

It would be slack of Legal Aid to not choose the very best of legal representation on such a serious matter as murder. With the probability of a life sentence. Hence...... Galbally Chambers and consequently, Moya O'Brian. There is nothing to gain by having amateur legal assistance, it is in the interests of every person in Victoria that Mr Stephenson acquires and maintains the very best there is.


Mr Stephenson's local lawyer from Ballarat would contact the Legal Aid office, who then convene the meeting, and acccording to a roster, the firm chosen to represent Mr Stephenson is approached and requested to act as legal rep. The financial terms are worked out with the Barristers Chambers and how it then proceeds is like this. The Barristers Chambers ( referred to now as the Chamber ) works out a probable amount, the Legal Aid office agrees, and from then on, it is a matter of the Chamber giving Mr Stephenson their best and brightest, and Legal Aid watch the money and are involved in the case as advisory Chambers.

Since Mr Stephenson is on Legal Aid ( we presume this because he had no collateral to finance this himself ) Legal Aid does have a voice .. it can suggest to the defendant either to plead guilty or not guilty, it is included in discussions of how many appeals to make, and how many can be financed, it makes sure the Chambers has access to the best advice and technical help it requires,

Because it is a matter of civic privacy, it is ALWAYS referred to as the defendant has 'hired' or 'engaged' a certain Barrister, it is no one 's business who gets it paid for and who doesn't. We are all entitled to that.

I hope this assists in understanding the process.

 

[Rocket333]

A high profile lawyer, like Paul Galbally, and like his father Frank certainly would not take on the case, any case out of charity. That is why Victorian Citizens have access to Legal Aid. As does any Australian convicted of a serious crime. It is tax payer funded, but the philosophy behind it is universal.

The state has power . Power to take you off the streets, power to accuse you, power to inhibit your freedom to come and go. To balance this power, every citizen is entitled to legal aid. Depending on one's circumstances , it is funded by the rest of us. Mainly because it could be one of us, any day.

How this works is like this. A panel of qualified citizens, former judges, former barristers, etc, convene and discuss the mitigating factors that would apply in the case of Mr Stephenson. Accused of a heinous crime, age 21 ( at the time ) no collateral, no property, His parents are not responsible for his financial woes, he being 21 and an adult.. No point in impoverishing the family , his sisters etc.. So they discuss and finally agree to fund his legal representation out of funds allocated for the purpose by the VIC Govt.

It would be slack of Legal Aid to not choose the very best of legal representation on such a serious matter as murder. With the probability of a life sentence. Hence...... Galbally Chambers and consequently, Moya O'Brian. There is nothing to gain by having amateur legal assistance, it is in the interests of every person in Victoria that Mr Stephenson acquires and maintains the very best there is.


Mr Stephenson's local lawyer from Ballarat would contact the Legal Aid office, who then convene the meeting, and acccording to a roster, the firm chosen to represent Mr Stephenson is approached and requested to act as legal rep. The financial terms are worked out with the Barristers Chambers and how it then proceeds is like this. The Barristers Chambers ( referred to now as the Chamber ) works out a probable amount, the Legal Aid office agrees, and from then on, it is a matter of the Chamber giving Mr Stephenson their best and brightest, and Legal Aid watch the money and are involved in the case as advisory Chambers.

Since Mr Stephenson is on Legal Aid ( we presume this because he had no collateral to finance this himself ) Legal Aid does have a voice .. it can suggest to the defendant either to plead guilty or not guilty, it is included in discussions of how many appeals to make, and how many can be financed, it makes sure the Chambers has access to the best advice and technical help it requires,

Because it is a matter of civic privacy, it is ALWAYS referred to as the defendant has 'hired' or 'engaged' a certain Barrister, it is no one 's business who gets it paid for and who doesn't. We are all entitled to that.

I hope this assists in understanding the process.

Thanks for going over that yet again Troops.

I stand corrected about the house having sold. It’s still up for sale. (thanks @HoneyBunOne). I feel for the owner.

 

[Trooper]

Thanks for going over that yet again Troops.

I stand corrected about the house having sold. It’s still up for sale. (thanks @HoneyBunOne). I feel for the owner.

Yet again is dead right.. thankyou to the folks who went over the real estate stuff , yet again...

That poor owner, he probably thought he had a workable deal.. someone local to look after the house and the horse... whoda THUNK what would happen..

 

[Trooper]

Maybe, but some news reports referred to it as family-owned.

Yes, a friend of Stephenson's GIRLFRIENDS family , not the Stephenson family.

 

[BreakingNews]

Maybe, but some news reports referred to it as family-owned.

My understanding is that it was the gf's family friend, not PS family.

 

[BreakingNews]

A high profile lawyer, like Paul Galbally, and like his father Frank certainly would not take on the case, any case out of charity. That is why Victorian Citizens have access to Legal Aid. As does any Australian convicted of a serious crime. It is tax payer funded, but the philosophy behind it is universal.

The state has power . Power to take you off the streets, power to accuse you, power to inhibit your freedom to come and go. To balance this power, every citizen is entitled to legal aid. Depending on one's circumstances , it is funded by the rest of us. Mainly because it could be one of us, any day.

How this works is like this. A panel of qualified citizens, former judges, former barristers, etc, convene and discuss the mitigating factors that would apply in the case of Mr Stephenson. Accused of a heinous crime, age 21 ( at the time ) no collateral, no property, His parents are not responsible for his financial woes, he being 21 and an adult.. No point in impoverishing the family , his sisters etc.. So they discuss and finally agree to fund his legal representation out of funds allocated for the purpose by the VIC Govt.

It would be slack of Legal Aid to not choose the very best of legal representation on such a serious matter as murder. With the probability of a life sentence. Hence...... Galbally Chambers and consequently, Moya O'Brian. There is nothing to gain by having amateur legal assistance, it is in the interests of every person in Victoria that Mr Stephenson acquires and maintains the very best there is.


Mr Stephenson's local lawyer from Ballarat would contact the Legal Aid office, who then convene the meeting, and acccording to a roster, the firm chosen to represent Mr Stephenson is approached and requested to act as legal rep. The financial terms are worked out with the Barristers Chambers and how it then proceeds is like this. The Barristers Chambers ( referred to now as the Chamber ) works out a probable amount, the Legal Aid office agrees, and from then on, it is a matter of the Chamber giving Mr Stephenson their best and brightest, and Legal Aid watch the money and are involved in the case as advisory Chambers.

Since Mr Stephenson is on Legal Aid ( we presume this because he had no collateral to finance this himself ) Legal Aid does have a voice .. it can suggest to the defendant either to plead guilty or not guilty, it is included in discussions of how many appeals to make, and how many can be financed, it makes sure the Chambers has access to the best advice and technical help it requires,

Because it is a matter of civic privacy, it is ALWAYS referred to as the defendant has 'hired' or 'engaged' a certain Barrister, it is no one 's business who gets it paid for and who doesn't. We are all entitled to that.

I hope this assists in understanding the process.

Agree Troops. A lot of 'well standing' in the community start off with the top of the range legal eagles. Then change to legal aid once the bills pile up. It would take a billionaire to fund the defence for an accused murderer. Baden Clay comes to mind.

Daily court fees for junior barristers would cost around AUD 3,000 to AUD 5,000. For senior barristers, the fee would be AUD 5,000 to AUD 8,000 a day.

How Much Does A Criminal Lawyer Cost Australia (Cost Factors)

How much does a criminal lawyer cost Australia? Learn about fees, hourly rates, and the factors that impact costs based on case complexity and location.

www.criminallawgroup.com.au