Lindy Chamberlain's trial by witchcraftAugust 06, 2014

John Bryson was a solicitor and barrister for ten years before venturing into authorship. His work experience prompted him to pen biographies and non-fiction. It was the right move, as "Evil Angels" (1985) became a bestseller. It was about the case of Azaria Chamberlain.

On August 17, 1980, Michael Chamberlain, then Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor, his wife, Lindy Chamberlain, Aidan and Reagan, their two sons, and Azaria, their nine-week old daughter, were on a camping trip near Uluru. The baby was sleeping in their tent when the rest of the family enjoyed a barbecue with their fellow campers. Then they heard a cry, which was coming from the tent. Azaria wasn't there, and Lindy recalled seeing a dingo on the way. A search followed, but there was no trace of the infant. It was believed that the wild animal was responsible.

Then something came up.

Bizarre turn of events

Michael and Lindy were charged for the disappearance - and death - of Azaria. It was suspected that a ritual took place on the night of the seventeenth of August. The public didn't find Lindy sympathetic, as her stoic features told them that there was more.

Bryson followed the case, which created a frenzy of anger. Michael's faith disintegrated, and so was the marriage. Lindy was seventh months pregnant when findings were pointing to her being guilty. She was advised to play to the jury's emotions, but she chose the other way. She was imprisoned. Three years later, she was released after another harrowing incident in Uluru. (An English tourist fell and died. When police were investigating, they found a small piece of clothing that was identified as the jacket that Azaria wore during that fateful night.) It had been more than three decades since the unfortunate event, but the former lawyer don't see it going away.

"It's now a fascination through the nation for precisely the opposite reasons that played out when it began. We should remember that when it did begin it was not Lindy Chamberlain who was the first and prime suspect, it was Pastor Michael. And it only became a witch hunt for Lindy Chamberlain when it was realised that Michael Chamberlain himself couldn't possibly have done it. And think the story has changed its methodology of fascination as it goes along. Now it's a fascination with, how on earth did we get it so wrong," he said.

Media is guilty too?

What was notable in Bryson's book was how the media influenced the turn of events. Some believed that Lindy wasn't treated right. Did the journalists let their feelings got in the way? Gossips about the former couple, Lindy in particular, surfaced as the investigation progressed. They played a part. Lindy not only survived the harrowing experience, but she also moved on. (After the divorce, she married Rick Creighton, an American publisher and fellow member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.) Michael also had a new life - and career. He's into writing.

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