Sydney murder conviction for gay American’s death overturned

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — An appeals court has overturned the conviction of a man who temporarily admitted murdering an American who fell from a Sydney cliff top that was known as a gay meeting place. Scott White was sentenced to prison in May for the death of mathematician Scott Johnson in 1988. White had surprised his lawyers by pleading guilty to murder during a court hearing in January. About 20 minutes later, White signed a statement saying he had been “confused” when he pleaded guilty, had not caused Johnson’s death and wanted to plead not guilty. The appeals court ruled Friday he should been allowed to reverse the plea. The victim’s brother said no one wanted a rush to judgment.