Convicted murderer Derrick Bromley has taken his first steps of freedom in South Australia.
Bromley was behind bars for 40 years over the 1984 murder of Stephen Docoza whose body was found in the River Torrens.
“He’s the longest serving Indigenous prisoner in Australia and that’s a disgrace,” advocate Frank Pangallo said.
Bromley has made multiple attempts to have his conviction overturned but all of them have failed.
In December, the High Court ruled against re-opening his case, which is something Docoza’s family is grateful for.
They remember him as a “gentle soul” who grew up to be a kind and hardworking man.
In a statement, Docoza’s family said they are “disturbed by Bromley’s failure to admit guilt or show any remorse”.
But family members said they find some solace in the confession of John Carpany, Bromley’s accomplice, who had shown remorse for his involvement in the crime.
“If people think he’s guilty, he has more than adequately paid the price of that,” advocate Graham Archer said.
Bromley still has to return to a pre-release centre every day by 9pm.
He is also subject to strict parole conditions which include not speaking to the media and staying away from licensed venues.
Bromley’s first taste of freedom today was a coffee at McDonald’s.
“His desire is to come out and do good,” family member Robyn Milera said.
“In fact it’s sort of a pact we have.”