WHY THE REVIEW?
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* Scientific evidence in 2019 emerged that two US children had died of a genetic mutation found in Folbigg's daughters Sarah and Laura. A world-leading study later confirms the mutation likely had role in the girls' deaths
* Leading scientists in 2021 petitioned NSW Governor Margaret Beazley to pardon Folbigg based on new findings
* Questions also asked about the validity of circumstantial evidence used to convict Folbigg, including her diaries
WHAT DID THE REVIEW ENTAIL?
* Tom Bathurst, who was the highest-ranking judge in NSW from 2011 to March 2022, took on the review in May 2022
* Cardiac and genetic experts gave evidence in November and February, including the Danish researchers who discovered the gene mutation and Kooyong MP Monique Ryan.
* The inquiry's counsel assisting and the state's top prosecutor in April agreed there were reasonable doubts about Folbigg's guilt.
* Mr Bathurst writes a preliminary report in June
WHAT DID MR BATHURST FIND?
* There is a reasonable possibility three of the children died of natural causes: the CALM2 genetic variation could have played a role in Sarah and Laura's deaths; myocarditis might have killed Laura; an underlying neurogenic disorder might have killed Patrick
* Mr Bathurst was unable to accept the evidence went further than establishing Ms Folbigg was a caring mother for her children
* He did not accept Craig Folbigg's account of the night Sarah died, namely that he saw his wife take the girl from her bed
* While some of Folbigg's diary entries could be considered as constituting admissions, medical evidence suggested they were rather "the writing of a grieving and possibly depressed mother, traumatised by the unexplained deaths of three children". (Laura died later)
WHAT DID MR BATHURST SAY?
"The Crown case (at trial) was that Ms Folbigg deliberately smothered her children in a fit of anger or put them to sleep, either so she could sleep or to have time to herself. Her relationship with her children were said to support this. I cannot agree with this contention."
"In my view, informed by the expert evidence before the inquiry, the diaries reflect MS Folbigg blames herself for the death of each child, as distinct from admissions that she murdered or otherwise harmed them."
"I am firmly of the view that there is reasonable doubt as to Ms Folbigg's guilt."
WHAT NOW?
* Folbigg was released from prison on Monday morning. Expected to live with her most ardent supporter, friend Tracy Chapman
* She's expected to use the inquiry's findings to have the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal quash her convictions
* A compensation claim may be made
Australian Associated Press
