Michael Chamberlain, right, and then his wife Lindy in 1990. Photo / File
Michael Chamberlain, right, and then his wife Lindy in 1990. Photo / File
A former Northern Territory chief minister responsible for the release of Lindy Chamberlain from prison more than 30 years ago has his doubts about her innocence in the death of her child, Azaria.
Stephen Hatton spoke to Sky News following the death of Lindy's ex-husband Michael Chamberlain onMonday.
Chamberlain was released from prison and the family was compensated after baby Azaria's matinee jacket was found at Uluru in 1986, six years after she disappeared.
Despite a 2012 investigation finding a dingo had taken Azaria, Hatton told Sky he did not believe the claim was possible.
"I find it difficult that a dingo would carry a heavy baby like Azaria was for such a distance when she was being chased by a mob of people when the usual behaviour an animal when it's being chased is to drop its prey and run."
Lindy and Michael Chamberlain attend the court in Alice Springs during the second inquest into the disappearance of their baby daughter, Azaria. Photo / File
He believes Lindy may have suffered from post natal depression and had been stressed from a long day out in the heat with a two-month old baby.
"I personally, without evidence, but my personal belief is she was caught up in a very stressed situation and reacted unfortunately."
Hatton, who was chief minister from 1986 to 1988, said the case has seen the Territory viewed in a bad light.
"I feel that the Northern Territory Police and the Northern Territory Government have been badly maligned for the way that we handled the case when in fact all they did was carry out a police investigation and conduct a jury trial," he told Sky News.
