Inquest hears 'evil' Rowan Baxter would stop at nothing to murder wife

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The inquest into the death of Hannah Clarke and her three children has heard Rowan Baxter was “evil” and would have killed her no matter what.

Yesterday, the inquest tracked Baxter’s movements in the days leading to the fatal attack, when he poured petrol on Ms Clarke and their three children before setting them on fire in February 2020.

Ms Clarke’s parents, Sue and Lloyd Clarke, told the inquest in a harrowing victim impact statement the incident had stayed with them ever since.

Hannah Clarke with her three children Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey. (Supplied)

Sue Clarke said the children’s toys still remain where they left them before their deaths.

She sobbed as she told the court “we will never again be complete”.

“The girls’ room is as they left it that morning two years ago,” she said.

“I can’t bring myself to pack up their toys.”

Lloyd Clarke said he asks himself why he didn’t see Baxter’s actions coming.

Hannah Clarke’s parents spoke of their grief at losing their daughter and grandkids in the final day of the inquest. (Nine)

The counsel assisting the coroner told the inquest Ms Clarke was in immediate danger after leaving Baxter, adding her estranged husband had single-minded, murderous intent.

The inquest, which concluded today, had earlier revealed Baxter’s plot was premediated.

“Every now and then a true monster is born and you can’t stop them,” Sue Clarke said.

Data from Our Watch reveals one woman a week is killed by a male partner in Australia.

Six women have been killed by their partners in Australia in the last three weeks.

Hannah Clarke and her daughter — The findings of the inquest into Ms Clarke and her children’s death will be handed down in June. (Instagram)

Yesterday, a domestic violence support service worker told the inquest “dousing” incidents had increased by 50 per cent since Ms Clarke’s death, often used to intimidate a partner.

The coroner will consider the findings of the inquest and make recommendations to prevent similar attacks from taking place.

The need for greater police training to handle domestic violence cases, making up 40 per cent of all policing work, is predicted to feature strongly in recommendations.

The Queensland Government is also considering new laws to criminalise coercive control.

The findings of the inquest are expected to be handed down by the coroner in June and will reveal if there were opportunities missed in the handling of Ms Clarke’s case.

Mr Clarke said he hopes the inquest shines a light on abusive relationships and can prevent future loss of life.

“We want to keep this conversation going until we get some good positive results,” he said.

Source: 9News