Murder of Sophie Collombet
2014–2016
Brisbane (South Brisbane) · Queensland · Australia · 2014
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Sophie Collombet, a 21-year-old French master's student at Griffith University, was attacked in Kurilpa Park, South Brisbane, on the night of 27 March 2014 as she walked home from an evening class. She was found dead in the park the next morning. Benjamin James Milward was arrested in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, on 7 April 2014 and charged with her murder and rape. He pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court of Queensland in October 2016, before his trial was due to begin, and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a 20-year non-parole period.
At a glance
Benjamin James Milward
Murder; Rape
Timeline· 5 entries
- 28 Mar 2014 · Friday
Death reported, investigation event
Sophie Collombet is found dead in Kurilpa Park, South Brisbane
Queensland (Brisbane)ABC Australia - 7 Apr 2014 · Monday
- 9 Apr 2014 · Wednesday
Charges filed, court event
Milward appears in Brisbane Magistrates Court charged with murder, rape, deprivation of liberty and armed robbery
- 12 Oct 2016 · Wednesday
Plea, court event
Milward pleads guilty to rape and murder in the Supreme Court of Queensland
- 26 Oct 2016 · Wednesday
Sentencing, court event
Milward sentenced to life imprisonment with a 20-year non-parole period
Coverage· 3 entries
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26 Oct 2016
ArticleThe Guardian (Australian Associated Press)26 Oct 2016Wire account of the sentence and the 20-year non-parole period, including that she lived for hours after the attack.
26 Oct 2016
ArticleABC News26 Oct 2016Sentencing-day report that names Sophie in its headline and carries her family's tribute and thanks.
26 Oct 2016
ArticleBrisbane Times26 Oct 2016Sentencing report built around the victim impact statements from Sophie's parents, brothers and partner.
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