"Final act of cowardice" by Hannah Clarke’s ex-husband
Content warning: This article contains distressing content and descriptions of domestic violence.
A coroner has recommended widespread changes to domestic violence training and support in Australia while delivering her findings on the deaths of Hannah Clarke and her children at the hands of her ex-husband.
Deputy State Coroner Jane Bentley became emotional while delivering her findings, detailing the final moments of the young family during Rowan Baxter’s “final act of cowardice”.
Clarke and her children, six-year-old Aaliyah, four-year-old Laianah, and three-year-old Trey, died after Baxter, her ex-husband, ambushed the family on their way to school in February, 2020.
After dousing their car in petrol, neighbours watched on in horror as he set the vehicle alight.
In Bentley’s findings, published on Wednesday, it was revealed that Clarke died from multi-organ failure as a result of the fire.
Bentley said the three children died at 8.25am on February 19 from the effects of the fire, while Baxter died from a self-inflicted stab wound.
"The children died almost immediately from the inhalation of fumes and burns," Bentley said.
"Hannah had received full-thickness, non-survivable burns."
Despite suffering severe injuries, Bentley said Clarke showed “astounding bravery” and was able to describe what Baxter had done to nearby witnesses.
Her findings come three months after the long-awaited coronial inquest into the deaths began.
During the inquest, the court was told of how Baxter displayed controlling and abusive behaviour towards Clarke, including controlled what she wore and who she could see, demanding sex every night, and berating her body image.
The court was told that Baxter abducted Laianah on Boxing Day 2019, taking her to northern NSW before returning her several days later.
In another incident, Baxter assaulted Clarke after she confronted him about why he had explicit photos of her in his car - which was evidence he hoped to use in court.
Bentley said she found it unlikely that police, service providers or family could have stopped Baxter from carrying out his “murderous” plans, describing him as a “master of manipulation”.
"After Hannah left him and he realised he could no longer control her, he began to rally support from friends he had not seen for years and professionals he considered could advance his cause,” Bentley said.
She described him killing himself as a “final act of cowardice” since he was unable to live with the public denunciation and punishment he would be subject to.
"The truth is Hannah, who knew him best, was initially in favour of him having contact with the children … but she perceived he was becoming more dangerous," Bentley said.
"Her fears were genuine and realistic and ultimately confirmed in the worst way."
The coroner said there were missed opportunities to keep Baxter accountable, including their response to his breaching of the domestic violence order.
The court heard that training of police officers, particularly frontline officers, around domestic violence was insufficient, and that there was a “significant lack of counselling programmes and support” for perpetrators in Queensland.
"However, in this case, I am satisfied that even had it been available, Baxter was not interested in engaging in such programmes unless it furthered his cause … [of] Hannah agreeing to his wishes," she said.
Bentley made four recommendations, including that the Queensland government fund the police to provide "five-day face-to-face domestic violence training programme for all specialist domestic violence police officers", and mandatory face-to-face training for all police officers.
"My final recommendation is that the Queensland government provide funding for men's behaviour change programmes both in prisons and in the community as a matter of urgency," Bentley said.
"I offer my most sincere condolences to Mr and Mrs Clarke, other family members and friends and family of their children."
Outside court, Hannah’s parents Sue and Lloyd Clarke said they were pleased with the findings.
"We expected most of the results," Clarke told reporters.
"We need to see everything that's been recommended implemented in every state."
If you are in need of support or are a victim of domestic violence, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the national family violence counselling service on 1800 737 732.
Image: Nine News