Murderer's appeal reignites grief for daughter dealing with mum's loss

Nearly five years after her father murdered her mother, Romany Wake continues to navigate the legal system's complexities. Her father, Darren Wake, is appealing his 26-year prison sentence, handed down in 2024, on grounds that it was "manifestly excessive."

The appeal process has faced delays, partly due to a dispute over legal aid funding and Wake's desire to choose his own representation. This prolonged legal ordeal has taken a significant emotional toll on Romany. "It kind of hurts that he gets to have a choice when my mum didn't have a choice to be murdered," she stated.

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It kind of hurts that he gets to have a choice when my mum didn't have a choice to be murdered.

Darren Wake's appeal is scheduled to return to court on Friday. Romany Wake, who runs a social media page called "Rachel's Voice," expressed her hope for progress, stating, "I would really, really, really hope that some progress is being made in the appeal process, that it's not going to be another long haul again and I can finally get out of the system."

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I would really, really, really hope that some progress is being made in the appeal process, that it's not going to be another long haul again and I can finally get out of the system.

Hearing about other local incidents of violence against women intensifies Romany's pain. She noted a pattern where public attention and political promises following such tragedies quickly fade. "It just feels like the names are being said, there's a moment where politicians will say, 'Hey, something needs to be done,' and then as soon as a vigil has been held or the court case has begun, that momentum drops off," she observed.

Siobhan Mackay, acting CEO of Women's Legal Service Tasmania, highlighted how drawn-out legal processes can prolong trauma for victims and their families, hindering their ability to move forward. Romany Wake has become a prominent advocate against family violence in Tasmania, campaigning for systemic changes and establishing the Rachel Wake Midwifery Scholarship.

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It just feels like the names are being said, there's a moment where politicians will say, 'Hey, something needs to be done,' and then as soon as a vigil has been held or the court case has begun, that momentum drops off.