Brett Peter Cowan: Daniel Morcombe's killer has murder conviction appeal bid dismissed

By Donna Field

The High Court has dismissed an application by Daniel Morcombe’s killer to appeal against his conviction.

It was the last legal avenue for Brett Peter Cowan, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2014 for killing 13-year-old Daniel in 2003.

Cowan abducted the teenager who was waiting for a bus on the Sunshine Coast.

An appeal against the conviction in the Queensland Court of Appeal last year was dismissed.

Cowan’s lawyers then applied to the High Court for special leave to appeal on the grounds that Cowan was unfairly targeted by a police sting.

Bruce and Denise Morcombe, Daniel’s parents, were in the front row of the packed court, sitting with long-time lawyer Peter Boyce, for the short hearing.

Outside court, Ms Morcombe expressed relief and said it had taken a long time to finalise all the legal appeals.

“I’m just glad it’s all over now. Now we can get on with our life,” she said.

“We don’t have to look in our diary and look at what’s going to be happening in another court case.

“I’ve got lots of good things to look forward to and this one is finished.

“I don’t have Daniel back but Cowan’s in jail and hopefully I don’t think he’ll ever get out.”

Mr Morcombe said the outcome was an enormous relief for the family.

“While it’s a very sad story, at least we’ve got a full stop to that,” he said.

“I think people can sleep well tonight, other than Mr Cowan himself.”

He said they would continue to work with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation to ensure the safety of children in the future.

“Daniel’s name is on everybody’s lips. Don’t forget him, don’t forget his legacy and support the Daniel Morcombe Foundation in its aims to protect all kids.

“I think that is a really powerful message. We can use Daniel’s tragic story to make sure future kids are safe.”

Cowan is serving a life sentence and cannot apply for parole until he has served at least 20 years.

Cowan’s lawyer Tim Meehan said his client would be disappointed with the decision.

“It was a very fair hearing. It’s the end of the line, though. There’s no further avenues of appeal available to Brett,” Mr Meehan said.

“He will undoubtedly be disappointed with the result.”

This post originally appeared on ABC News.

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