Stephen “Shorty” Jamieson, one of Australia’s most infamous convicted killers and rapists, is edging closer to a potential DNA test that he believes could exonerate him after spending decades in prison. Jamieson has consistently maintained that he was mistakenly identified and wrongly convicted for the murder of 20-year-old Janine Balding in 1988. He asserts that he was confused with another individual who shares his nickname, Mark “Shorty” Wells.
Currently appealing in the NSW Supreme Court, the 58-year-old Jamieson argues that DNA from a bandana allegedly used to gag Balding could implicate Wells instead. The police have obtained Wells’ DNA profile from Queensland authorities, but there have been disputes over the legality of using this profile for testing in the ongoing investigation.
Recently, Justice Ian Harrison ruled in favour of Jamieson, stating that Police Commissioner Karen Webb has the authority to facilitate the DNA testing. The judge emphasised that the integrity of the judicial process and public interest necessitated conducting the tests, asserting that failing to do so could lead to ongoing community anxiety regarding the case.
Justice Harrison instructed all involved parties to submit additional details on how the testing is to be conducted, following his ruling on its legality. Importantly, Wells has denied any involvement in Balding’s murder and has never faced any charges related to the crime.
Earlier court proceedings revealed that Jamieson had been excluded as a source of the DNA found on the bandana, which took many by surprise. The partial DNA profile derived from the bandana consisted of 11 genetic markers and did not match the full profile of Jamieson or those of the three other men convicted alongside him. If the partial profile belonged to a single individual, it would correlate with approximately one in five million people.
Jamieson’s lawyer has argued that if testing reveals that Wells’ DNA cannot be excluded, it would serve as compelling evidence of Jamieson’s innocence. The shocking nature of Balding’s murder resonated deeply across the nation, as she was brutally assaulted by a gang of homeless youths in Sydney. After being bound, gagged, and thrown into a dam, she tragically drowned.
Jamieson’s appeal is scheduled to return to court in March, marking another chapter in this long and contentious legal battle. Support for individuals affected by such trauma is available through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).