When the news broke last week that Robert Smith was to be released from jail after serving 10 years for his role in the murder of his six-year-old stepdaughter Kiesha Weippeart, Alison Anderson's heart broke.
"It's gut-wrenching. The justice system has failed once again," Alison tells Woman's Day. "It should be a life for a life. Why should people like him have that privilege but this angel didn't have a chance to start [hers]?"
Kiesha's death was a tragedy that shocked the nation. The little girl died in her bed in Sydney's Mt Druitt in July 2010 after being knocked unconscious by her mother Kristi Abrahams after refusing to wear her pyjamas.
The couple then hid her body in a suitcase for several days before taking her to bushland in Sydney's west, setting the suitcase on fire and then burying Kiesha in a shallow grave using a hammer.
HORRIFIC CRIME
When her parents reported her missing on August 1, 2010, Alison, a longtime friend of Abrahams, became the family's unofficial spokeswoman and biggest supporter.
But the former youth worker says she always had her suspicions about the couple's guilt, even advising detectives whe were keeping a eye on them.
This story is from the April 10, 2023 edition of Woman's Day Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 10, 2023 edition of Woman's Day Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ANNA SAMSON 'MURDER'S ALWAYS INTRIGUED ME'
We hit the set of the sunny spin-off to Death In Paradise and meet the cast!
5 minutes With...ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH
His No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series has a new instalment
Rolling the DICE
Hobart's iconic Wrest Point Hotel Casino is looking better than ever
UNDERSTANDING PALLIATIVE CARE
Quality of life is at the forefront of this approach
OUR TOWN'S A MOVIE STAR!
When Runt arrived in town, locals couldn't wait to play a part!
ANNA HEINRICH 'I LOVE BEING A GIRL MUM!'
The mum-of-two speaks with affection about her daughters
KEITH TELLS NICOLE I WANT TO BE YOUR NEXT LEADING MAN!'
He's sick of playing second fiddle to a string of hunky co-stars
GUY TAKES A STAND 'I WANT JESS BACK!
The Voice Australia gets an ultimatum from its number-one coach Guy Sebastian
THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!
Their lovable bromance is stealing the spotlight in Venice!
ED SHEERAN'S SHOCK FAMILY FEUD
He's often seen as one of the nicest guys in music, but Ed Sheeran's cousin has exposed their secret feud - and claimed that Ed has even made legal threats against him!
