Craigslist Sex Worker Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

REBECCA BATS

Craigslist sex worker Peta Long-Gourn, 35, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mark Spencer in the Brisbane Supreme Court today.

The mother-of-three has been sentenced to 7 years for manslaughter and 2 years for attempted armed robbery.

The incident occurred on the 1 October 2014 as a result of an attempted armed robbery. Ms Long-Gourn and her then 28 year-old male partner lured Mr Spencer, who was known to the couple, through an ad offering sex in exchange for drugs and money.

The court heard today that Mr Spencer was hit nine times in the head by Ms Long-Gourn’s partner.

“The severities of the blows were enough to snap the baseball bat in half,” said Justice David Boddice.

Ms Long-Gourn’s plea and cooperation with authorities throughout the trial and while in prison was taken into account when Justice Boddice made his sentence.

While Justice Boddice believes she didn’t intend for Mr Spencer to die she was a participant in the incident.

Her upbringing and childhood of sexual abuse and domestically violent relationships were also considered in making the sentence. Justice Boddice said he believes Ms Long-Gourn will use her time wisely and that she shows prospects of rehabilitation.

The sentences will be served concurrently and her 622 days served in custody will account to this time.

Ms Long-Gourn shed tears during her sentence hearing today. She will be able to apply for parole in June 2017.

Ms Long-Gourn’s partner is yet to be sentenced.