“The Family Court Murders” (ABC)

Director: Chris Thorburn

Producers: Madeleine Hetherton-Miau, Rebecca Barry.

Production Company: Media Stockade


Nominated: Best Factual/Documentary, AACTA, 2022


During the 1980’s, in NSW, an unknown suspect was committing a series of bombings and shootings that targeted the people and institution of the the Family Court. Four deaths, dozens wounded and years between crimes, it was a sustained campaign of domestic terrorism that was triggered by one marriage falling apart. At the beginning of the story, is the meeting of Andrea Blanchard and Leonard Warwick.


The scope of the investigation narrows around Leonard Warwick. He is placed under surveillance. He is a dangerous suspect with a proven record of making retaliation a fatally personal obsession.


Andrea and Leonard continue to fight each other through the courts. Leonard continues to ignore the decisions imposed upon him. Andrea’s brother, Stephen, intervenes with Leonard in her favour and, days later, his body is found in Cowan Creek. Likely having been murdered in the family home, beneath the roof where Andrea was sleeping at the time.