THE author of a book detailing the brutal murders of Claire Acocks and Margaret Penny said she was shocked to hear charges had been laid almost 24 years after the women were killed in a Portland hair salon.
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Port Campbell’s Leonie Wallace was teaching a year 7 literature class at Cobden Technical School yesterday morning when she learnt 83-year-old Robert Penny, the husband of Mrs Penny, had been charged with two counts of murder.
Wallace, whose book Horrible Man was published in 2012, said shortly after the school’s librarian told her about the breakthrough she spoke with Mrs Acocks’ son Tim, who was in court for Mr Penny’s brief appearance yesterday.
“I was shocked, the fact charges have been laid is an incredible development,” she said.
“This is obviously an emotional and anxious time for the families of both women. There is now a legal process in place which needs to be respected.
“As with all criminal matters, the defendant is always innocent until proven guilty and now it is up to the police to prove substance to these charges.
“But nothing will bring Claire or Margaret back, charges being laid won’t ever change that.”
The former journalist said she began researching the murders in 2009, which led to the book in 2012. Many are now crediting the book with renewing focus on the crime which sent shockwaves through the entire district.
“I’m delighted the case seems to have gained some momentum. This is obviously huge for the Portland community,” Wallace said.
“The ultimate aim of the book was to have this case resolved, we have to now wait and see. I’d like to speak more about it but there is a judicial process that needs to be respected.”
