Mr Mallard's appeals against his conviction failed in both the SupremeCourt and High Court But his family approached journalist Colleen Egan, who investigated the case alongside then-WA shadow attorney-general John Quigley. Mr Quigley's previous career representing police officers for the West Australian Police Union provided insight into police procedural failings in the case. Through political pressure, he was able to gain access to the prosecution files on the case and found crucial evidence that was not disclosed at trial.
A Corruption and Crime Commission inquiry was held into the alleged misconduct by police officers in the case but the officers resigned from WA police after a police inquiry began, avoiding the disciplinary process.
