On November 3, 1989, a birthday party at Stockton Beach, New South Wales, descends into chaos. Fourteen-year-old Leigh Leigh, attending her first teenage gathering, becomes severely intoxicated. After a distressing encounter, she is brutally assaulted by a group of boys. Her naked body is discovered in the sand dunes the following morning, revealing a horrific scene with a crushed skull and severe injuries.
The investigation is fraught with controversy. Matthew Webster, an 18-year-old acting as a bouncer at the party, pleads guilty to Leigh’s murder, yet his confession contradicts forensic evidence. Others involved, including a 15-year-old boy, face lesser charges, leaving many unanswered questions. The case sparks outrage due to the lack of charges for the sexual assault and the inadequate handling of forensic evidence.
The aftermath leaves a lasting impact. The media coverage is criticized for shifting blame onto Leigh, focusing on party conditions rather than her assault. The case inspires plays and a film, reflecting societal issues of victim-blaming. Despite reviews and commissions, the full truth of the night remains elusive, with profound questions lingering.
