Injustice

by Kirstyn Austin, Janet Fife-Yeomans

'The day that changed my life forever is as fresh in my mind as if it were only yesterday. I can remember every single, stark detail of Tuesday, 2 September 1986.'

So begins the shocking story of Kirstyn Austin who, as a young schoolgirl, was brutally attacked and left for dead by notorious career criminal Fred Many. At the time of the attack Many was out on parole, seven years shy of a twenty-two year sentence for armed robbery and other crimes.

What follows is a tale of breathtaking injustice.

Austin's remarkable composure and bravery led to her attacker's conviction and a twenty year gaol sentence, yet Many remained not only unrepentant but vengeful. From his gaol cell, he put out a contract on his young victim's life and that of her mother, a crime for which he was never charged.

Much of this book was written from inside the top secret Witness Protection Program where for the next eleven years Austin and her other lived in hiding, every link to their former lives completely obliterated.

From the time Many went back to gaol he began to manipulate his way towards an early release by becoming an informer for the very people who were protecting Austin and her mother. His cunning paid off, and the public outcry which surrounded his early release was thought by many to have contributed to the downfall of the then NSW Liberal State Government.

Eventually Austin's fear was overcome by her anger and an overwhelming desire to reclaim her life and expose the injustices she had suffered. Here she tells the whole story of how two innocent people eading average suburban lives became entangled with death threats, corrupt cops, prison informers, drugs, bribes and some of the most notorious criminals in the country. It is a story that defies belief.

Genres: True Crime, Australia, Crime

220 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Toni Umar]

Traumatic reading but at the same time inspirational too, such a brave and strong lady to write this book, thank you Kirsten.

[JOJOBOOKSTAGRAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... I am appauled at how easily the justice system can be manipulated by a singular person. I hope that Kirstyn and family have since lived a peaceful and calm life.

[Cherise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely well written and great collaborative approach from the victim and journalist.

Very sad story, but especially so in highlighting the injustices of the criminal justice system in Australia that really are so poignant in this particular case.

Very riveting read - but for me what really drew me in was the way Kirstyn came across as so down to earth, honest and humble in recognising all the support received from particular members of the witness protection unit etc, but most importantly her mums support. I would love to watch the 60 minutes interview that was conducted but couldn't seem to find it - so if anyone does let me know!

[Trish Murray]

I really admire this girl.. very sad but well told

[Kate Adderley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A traumatic read. Such a brave women.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story of terror, pain, bravery and triumph. I appreciated the honesty and detail about what it was like to be attacked, the aftermath, the feelings, and the experiences. It was brilliantly written, I felt every minute of what she described in my whole body, I cried for her and I cheered for her. I can hardly believe anyone could survive this kind of sustained stress and fear and I am amazed at the resilience of Kirstyn and her mum.
It was a disheartening and interesting look into the Australian legal system and behind the scenes of witness protection.

[Jen Roe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a sad book