In a move that has sparked outrage, the man found guilty of the brutal murder of Toyah Cordingley has formally challenged his conviction. Rajwinder Singh, a 38-year-old former nurse, lodged an appeal against his life sentence just days after a Cairns Supreme Court jury delivered its verdict.
A Shocking Crime and a Long Pursuit
The case stems from the horrific events of October 21, 2018. Toyah Cordingley, a vibrant 24-year-old pharmacy assistant and animal shelter volunteer, took her dog for a walk on the usually tranquil Wangetti Beach, north of Cairns. She was later found deceased in the sand dunes, having suffered a violent attack.
The investigation into her murder became one of Australia's most high-profile. Rajwinder Singh, who was working as a nurse in Innisfail at the time, fled to India just days after the killing. His abrupt departure, leaving behind his family and job, made him the prime suspect. A lengthy international manhunt ensued, culminating in his arrest in Delhi in November 2022 after a $1 million reward was offered for information.
He was subsequently extradited to Australia to stand trial. In March 2024, after a lengthy trial, a Cairns Supreme Court jury found him guilty of murder. Justice Lincoln Crowley sentenced Singh to life in prison, stating he must serve a minimum of 20 years before being eligible for parole.
The Appeal and a Family's Anguish
Now, Singh has initiated an appeal process through Queensland's Court of Appeal. The specific grounds for his appeal have not been publicly disclosed in court documents filed by his legal team. This legal manoeuvre means Toyah's family, who have endured over five years of pain and uncertainty, face further protracted proceedings.
Toyah's father, Troy Cordingley, did not hold back in his condemnation of Singh's actions. He labelled the convicted killer a "gutless coward" for refusing to take the stand during his trial and for now challenging the outcome. Mr Cordingley expressed the family's devastation, stating the appeal has forced them to relive the trauma of their loss.
"We finally got justice for Toyah and now he's trying to take that away from us," Mr Cordingley said. He described the appeal as another act of cowardice from a man who fled the country and refused to explain himself.
Community Holds Its Breath
The murder of Toyah Cordingley sent shockwaves through the close-knit Far North Queensland community and gripped the nation. The appeal ensures this tragic story remains in the legal spotlight. The Queensland Court of Appeal will now review the case, a process that could take many months.
For now, Rajwinder Singh remains behind bars as the wheels of the justice system turn once more. The Cordingley family, along with the Cairns community, must wait again for a final resolution, hoping the jury's verdict and the life sentence will ultimately stand.
