Scientific evidence showing reasonable doubt in the Kathleen Folbigg case was the subject of a 60 Minutes investigation last night.

A petition was signed earlier this year by 90 eminent scientists, medical experts and science advocates, who included two Nobel laureates, and two former chief scientists, calling for Kathleen to be pardoned.

A subsequent letter sent to the Governor supporting the petition was signed by 66 members of the Royal Society of NSW.

Their petition relies on fresh, peer-reviewed scientific evidence published in the British-based cardiac journal Europace last Nov­ember suggesting the deaths of Folbigg’s two daughters, Sarah and Laura, were “likely” caused by a genetic mutation, CALM2 G114R, and that the deaths of her two boys, Caleb and Patrick, may have been caused by a different genetic mutation.

The study concludes that the two female Folbigg children likely died – with 90-95% certainty – from having a lethal cardiac mutation. The two male Folbigg children possess rare epileptic gene mutations, which are currently under scientific investigation.

Last night, many of those scientists spoke about their concerns surrounding legal handling of the case and called for her release.

But the NSW Government is refusing to listen.

The 60 Minutes special report also revealed that jurors never heard key evidence before sentencing Kathleen.

Australian National University Professor of Immunology Carola Vinuesa (above) said: “At the time of Kathleen’s trial, even though it has just been discredited, it still permeated the idea that four deaths in a family is just too rare. Well, we know it isn’t. These things happen.”

At the time of the original trial, the same tragedy had happened to at least eight other families overseas. 

Why is the Attorney General, Mark Speakman, continuing to ignore calls for Kathleen’s release?

Click here to watch the 60 Minutes report.

Quentin McDermott has since revealed in The Australian that Kathleen has written a four-page letter to NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman begging him to “soften your heart” and grant her a ­petition for pardon.

Her letter pays tribute to the scientists: “To them, this isn’t only about helping Kathleen Folbigg, but rather about a need for scientific proof to be listened to, respected and heeded. I pay homage to all scientists involved. They have removed the stigma of being perceived as an evil monster, removed the anxiety and fear that I have suffered every day for over 30-odd years.”

She also discusses her love for her children and her devastating grief.

She concludes by saying: “Please soften your heart.”

McDermott also reveals that Speakman has rebuffed an offer from leading scientists to help him and his colleagues assess the complex science that underlies the petition.

Speakman told John Shine, president of the Australian Academy of Science: “I do not propose to convene private consultations with individuals or organisations in relation to further information advanced in support of Ms Folbigg’s petition.”

How much longer can the NSW Government hide from the growing scientific evidence that Kathleen did not kill her children? How does Speakman sleep at night with the knowledge that a woman may have spent 18 years behind bars for crimes she did not commit?

Please sign our petition

Kathleen’s friend Tracy Chapman, who was interviewed for the 60 Minutes special report, said: “Science has proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that our friend, Kathleen Folbigg is innocent of all crimes she has been incarcerated for.

“To coincide with the 60 Minutes special event on the Kathleen Folbigg case, Justice for Kathleen Folbigg has created an online petition calling on the NSW Attorney General, Mark Speakman to immediately pardon Kath and release her from prison. Justice for Kathleen Folbigg is asking all our friends and Kath’s supporters to please sign this peition and to share it among your friends and colleagues.”

Click here to sign the petition.