Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Musso [2024] QSC 325
SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND
CITATION: Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Musso [2024]
QSC 325
PARTIES: ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR THE STATE OF
QUEENSLAND
(applicant)
v
FILIPPO JAMES MUSSO
(respondent)
FILE NO: 2583 of 2018
DIVISION: Trial Division
PROCEEDING: Application
ORIGINATING
COURT:
Supreme Court at Brisbane
DELIVERED ON: 24 December 2024
DELIVERED AT: Brisbane
HEARING DATE: 19 November 2024; 20 November 2024
JUDGE: Davis J
ORDERS: 1. The supervision order made by Wilson J on 20 August
2021, as amended by Cooper J on 8 September 2022
and Crowley J on 25 March 2024, is rescinded.
2. The respondent be detained in custody for an
indefinite term for control, care or treatment.
CATCHWORDS: CRIMINAL LAW – SENTENCE – SENTENCING ORDERS
– ORDERS AND DECLARATIONS RELATING TO
SERIOUS OR VIOLENT OFFENDERS OR DANGEROUS
SEXUAL OFFENDERS – DANGEROUS SEXUAL
OFFENDER – GENERALLY – where the respondent was the
subject of a supervision order made under the provisions of the
Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (the
DPSOA) – where the respondent breached the supervision
order (first contravention) – where upon the first contravention
the respondent was returned to the community on the
supervision order – where the respondent again breached the
supervision order (second contravention) – where upon the
second contravention the respondent was returned to the
community on the supervision order – where the respondent
again breached the supervision order (third contravention) –
where the respondent suffers from a severe personality
disorder – where the respondent has been undergoing
treatment from a psychologist – where treatment from the
psychologist is more effective when the respondent is in
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custody – where the psychologist and two psychiatrists opine
the treatment from a forensic psychiatrist is required – where
a forensic psychiatrist is not available to the respondent either
in custody or on supervision – where unmodified risk of
committing a serious sexual offence is high – where one
psychiatrist assesses risk when on supervision as moderate to
high – where both psychiatrists opine further treatment should
be obtained before release back on the supervision order –
where the applicant submitted that the application for breach
ought to be adjourned to enable treatment – whether such an
approach is appropriate – whether the respondent has
discharged the onus of proving that his release upon a
supervision order provides adequate protection for the
community
Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld),
s 13, s 20, s 22, s 27, s 30
Attorney-General (Qld) v Beattie [2007] QCA 96, cited
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Brown [2024]
QSC 118, followed
Attorney-General (Qld) v Fardon [2018] QSC 193, cited
Attorney-General (Qld) v Fardon [2019] 2 Qd R 487; [2018]
QCA 251, cited
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Hynds [2013]
QCA 124, cited
Attorney-General (Qld) v Lawrence [2011] QCA 347, cited
Attorney-General (Qld) v Musso [2018] QSC 191, related
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Musso [2019]
QSC 310, related
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Musso
unreported, Wilson J, 20 August 2021, related
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Musso [2022]
QSC 184, related
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Musso,
unreported, Crowley J, 25 March 2024, related
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Sambo [2012]
QCA 171, cited
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Tiers [2021]
QSC 115, cited
Crump v New South Wales (2012) 247 CLR 1; [2012] HCA
20, cited
R v Hatahet (2024) 98 ALJR 863; [2024] HCA 23, cited
COUNSEL: J Tate for the applicant
S Hamlyn-Harris for the respondent
SOLICITORS: C Christensen, Crown Solicitor for the applicant
Cridland Hua Lawyers for the respondent
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[1] The Attorney-General brought proceedings1 against Filippo James Musso, alleging a
breach of conditions of a supervision order made under the provisions of the
Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (the DPSOA). The breaches of
the order are admitted and so the question is whether the supervision order ought to
be rescinded and a continuing detention order made, or alternatively, the respondent
released back on the supervision order, amended if necessary.2
Background
[2] The respondent was born on 16 October 1992. He is presently 32 years of age.
[3] The respondent’s criminal history is described in Attorney-General (Qld) v Musso,3
which is the judgment whereby a continuing detention order4 was made against the
respondent. The offence which led to that order being made was the subject of
convictions on 22 July 2014. Offending occurred over a three-week period between
21 July 2013 and 12 August 2013.
[4] That offending occurred against three complainants, a young lady, her father and the
Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The fraud charge against the Commonwealth
Bank of Australia is of no real relevance. The statement of facts upon which the
applicant was sentenced was:
“The charges before the Court span a period of approximately three
weeks from 21.07.13 to 12.08.13. Those charges involve a total of
three complainants, T Ma (Counts 1 & 4), her father D Ma (Counts 2
& 3), and the Commonwealth bank of Australia (Count 5).
Ms T Ma was friends with a girl named A Mc. They were living
together. A Mc began dating the accused. Some weeks after this, and
when the accused had effectively moved in with them full time, the
accused became violent towards Ms Ma. Several acts of violence,
damage to her property, and ongoing demands for money constitute
count one on the indictment, Torture.
The violent behaviour commenced on 21.07.13. The accused
deliberately damaged T Ma’s belongings including her laptop
computer, and her car while she was away from the house and with
her father. The accused smashed the car’s windscreen and lights with
a hammer, he also slashed the tyres. These actions were witnessed by
A Mc who was home at the time (Torture - Particular 1).
While the accused was damaging T Ma’s car, he injured his hand and
had to go to hospital.
At that time while T Ma was out with her father D Ma she received a
call from A Mc asking that she go to hospital to meet them. T Ma
went to the hospital with her father meeting A Mc and the accused
there.
1 Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003, s 20.
2 Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003, ss 22(2), 22(7).
3 [2018] QSC 191 at [13] - [15].
4 Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003, s 13(5)(a).
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Soon after their arrival the accused became aggressive. He told T
Ma’s father to leave and that he wasn’t welcome. D Ma stayed and
the accused then grabbed D Ma by the throat and punched him twice
to the face (Count 2). This caused bleeding in D Ma’s mouth and
swelling to his cheek. The accused in an interview with police
admitted to punching D Ma and conceded that D Ma never hit him. A
hospital security guard remembers receiving a call and attending to D
Ma soon after the incident.
After the commission of Count 2, T Ma returned to her house to
discover her property damaged. The accused then demanded that T
Ma’s father come to the house to fight him. T Ma called her father
and her father refused to return. The accused then attacked T Ma
grabbing her by the throat and strangled her for what she estimates
was 20-30 seconds (Torture - Particular 2).
D Ma then received a call from the accused. The accused demanded
$350 or stated he would kill his daughter T Ma. D Ma then went to
the residence where he saw T Ma upset and the accused has then made
threats to kill the both unless he paid $350. D Ma gave him $5 and the
accused demanded the rest by 6am (Count 3 - Extortion).
D Ma then went to his friend R K to get the $350, which he gave to
him. R K remembers D Ma having an injury to his face at the time of
the visit.
Several days later on 29.07.13 the accused and T Ma were at home
together. T Ma recalls that the accused became angry and smashed
her phone with a hammer and demanded money from her (Torture -
Particular 3). T Ma recalls that this was for no particular reason.
That night A Mc went into hospital. T Ma recalls that when she and
the accused were home alone together, the accused said that he liked
her and wanted to sleep with her. She said no because he was with A
Mc.
Several days after that incident, on 05.08.13, T Ma recalls fighting
with A Mc during the day. That evening when T Ma was in her room
the accused came in and said ‘I’m going to rape you’. T Ma recalls
the accused pinning her down and that he tried to take her clothes off.
She resisted and screamed for him to stop. The accused was
threatening to kill her. A Mc then came in and stopped the accused
(Count 4 - Sexual assault).
The accused then left the room and soon after returned with a knife. T
Ma recalls the accused again pinned her down and that he held the
knife to her face which cut her under the nose. The accused in his
interview with police admits going into T Ma’s bedroom with a knife.
T Ma was fighting the accused off and in doing so her hand was cut
by the knife. The accused during this attack also punched her to the
face hitting both her eyes (Torture - Particular 4).
T Ma states that the accused then dragged her by the hair to the lounge
room and told her to get out of the house. The accused then stomped
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on her face above her left eye which caused her to see stars. The
accused then threatened that he would urinate on her if he could. T
Ma remembers the accused bragging to A Mc that he could see his
footprint on her forehead. After this attack the accused demanded
$800 off T Ma for ‘protection’ (Torture - Particular 5).
There is medical evidence that T Ma received a fractured right eye
socket. It is the Crown case that the injury stemmed from this attack.
A maxillofacial surgeon, Dr Dawson, states that if left untreated this
would have likely resulted in permanent double vision (Diplopia) to
the complainant. On 28.08.13 Dr Dawson operated on T Ma
reconstructing the right orbit including the insertion of an artificial
floor. The Crown say that this injury if left untreated would have
constituted a permanent injury to health.
On 07.08.13 the accused took $300 out of T Ma’s account and sold
her car for $200. Days later on or about 10.08.13 T Ma recalls that the
accused demanded another $50 off her.
T Ma recalls that on the next day which was on or about 11.08.13 the
accused wrote on furniture that T Ma ‘was a slut’ and got her to read
it out aloud. He entered her bedroom with a broom stick and started
hitting her on the legs causing bruising.
He left the room and returned soon afterwards with broomstick handle
broken and was jabbing her with the broken handle to the chest
causing bruising. T Ma was telling him to stop (Torture - Particular
6). T Ma recalls that evening the accused and A Mc told her they were
angry at her because she had nearly broken them up.
T Ma recalls on the next day (12.08.13) the accused demanded more
money. When she couldn’t pay he told her to go to her room. The
accused went and got some pliers and squeezed her right pinkie finger
with the pliers causing her finger to bleed (Torture - Particular 7).
The accused then left the room and returned and struck her to the face
which caused her to scream. The accused then demanded $300 or he
would beat her up (Torture - Particular 8).
That same day the accused and A Mc went to the bank to try and get
money out of T Ma’s account with a card that belonged to T Ma. The
teller, L L, refused the transaction as neither the signatures signed by
the accused or A Mc matched the signature on file. Their requests
were refused and bank staff recall that the accused then became
aggressive and began making threats before leaving (Count 5 -
attempted Fraud).
Half an hour later at around 1:30pm L L saw the accused and A Mc
outside and a dark haired female with two black eyes being served at
the counter. She saw the dark haired female hand over money to the
accused outside and recorded this. All three then left.
The matter was reported to police and police arrived at around 3pm.
The accused and A Mc then got T Ma to go back into the bank to get
them money again, after police had arrived. T Ma was pointed out to
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police by bank staff who then spoke to her. Officer McGuinness
recalls T Ma crying saying to her that ‘the accused would kill her if he
sees her talking to police, and that she just wants to live’.
Officer McGuinness noted several injuries to T Ma and the ambulance
were called and T Ma was taken to hospital.
The accused was later arrested and participated in a record of interview
where he made a mixture of admissions and denials.”5
[5] Count 4, sexual assault, was the “serious sexual offence”6 upon which orders have
been made against the respondent under the DPSOA.
[6] Although the respondent was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in relation to
count 4, the total effective head sentence was four-and-a-half years and the
proceedings which brought the applicant within the DPSOA regime, commenced on
8 March 2018.
[7] The three psychiatrists who examined the respondent in 2018 all found a severe
personality disorder with anti-social, narcissistic and borderline features.7
[8] A continuing detention order was made on 24 August 2018.8 The continuing
detention order was reviewed9 by Brown J (as her Honour then was) in Attorney-
General for the State of Queensland v Musso.10 Her Honour affirmed the decision
that the respondent was a serious danger to the community in the absence of an order
under Division 3 of the DPSOA,11 and affirmed the continuing detention order.12
[9] On 20 August 2021 Wilson J determined the second annual review of the continuing
detention order. Her Honour rescinded the continuing detention order and made a
supervision order for a 10-year period.13
[10] In January 2022, the respondent breached the supervision order and proceedings were
taken against him14 (the first contravention proceedings). The circumstances of the
breach were described in Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Musso15 as
follows:
“(a) throughout the period of his supervision, the respondent made
regular calls to the Queensland Ambulance Service (“QAS”) for
a range of concerns, including hearing voices telling him to stab
himself, having suicidal thoughts and swallowing batteries or
razor blades;
5 Attorney-General (Qld) v Musso [2018] QSC 191 at [14].
6 Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003, s 13 and definition of “serious sexual offence”.
7 A summary of the medical evidence can be found at Attorney-General (Qld) v Musso [2018] QSC 191
at [33] - [73].
8 Attorney-General (Qld) v Musso [2018] QSC 191.
9 Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003, ss 27, 30.
10 [2019] QSC 310.
11 Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003, ss 13(1), 30(1).
12 Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003, s 30(3)(a).
13 Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Musso, unreported, Wilson J, 20 August 2021.
14 Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003, s 20.
15 [2022] QSC 184.
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(b) the respondent also discharged himself from hospital against
medical advice, due to apparent frustration caused by not being
offered mental health treatment, with the Community Mental
Health Services also declining to accept the respondent for
mental health services case management in the community;
(c) on 21 January 2022, the respondent contacted the HROMU16
office and made threats to a QCS staff member, to the effect of
“Do you wanna have some fun? Why don’t you come down here
ya dog cunt and I’ll show you … I have a knife right now …”,
including further random insults and expletives to the QCS staff
member, as well as a threat to cut his own throat;
(d) on the same day, the respondent also contacted the Queensland
Police Service (“QPS”) stating he was going to commit suicide
with a knife and reported swallowing batteries and razor blades.
A significant response by the QPS resulted from the respondent’s
call and the QAS subsequently took the respondent to the
hospital with QPS assistance. The respondent subsequently
discharged himself from the hospital;
(e) on 24 January 2022, the respondent presented as extremely
elevated on the phone with his Senior Case Manager at QCS.
The respondent subsequently left his residence without approval
from QCS. The respondent proceeded by foot to the Wacol train
station where he threatened to throw himself in front of a train.
QCS called the QAS, however the QCS staff on-site were able to
talk to the respondent, who accepted their escort to the Ipswich
Hospital for assessment. During this incident the QCS staff were
regularly told to “fuck off” and were abused by the respondent.
The respondent was threatening staff and was non-compliant
with directions given by QCS staff with regards to his curfew.
The QCS staff were monitoring the situation as best as possible,
however they are not trained first responders. These events
placed the QCS staff at significant risk of harm;
(f) subsequent checks made by QCS staff with hospital staff
indicated that during his hospital visit, the respondent made
threats of rape and presented with homicidal ideations of suicide.
The respondent also stated that he will continue to “breach
parole” until he “gets what he wants”, which QCS staff
understood to mean returning to custody. Further, the respondent
stated that he was giving his medication to others at the Wacol
precinct and will continue to abscond from the precinct as he
knows such action will result in a return to custody;
(g) in addition to the above matters, the respondent has been the
subject of a number of contraventions of the supervision order
since his release to the community relating to intravenous
Buprenorphine use and deleting of data from his device;
16 A reference to High-Risk Offender Management Unit.
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(h) as a consequence of the incidents in January 2022, QCS received
information that indicated the respondent had purchased a
second mobile phone, which was subsequently obtained by QCS.
Initial reviews of the notifications on the mobile phone indicated
that the respondent had resumed contact with associations
without approval from QCS;
(i) the respondent was charged with a number of counts of
contravening the supervision order pursuant to s 43AA of the Act
in relation to:
(i) being found in possession of a number of technological
devices, including a second phone;
(ii) failing to report associations;
(iii) utilising social media;
(iv) accessing the internet without approval.
(j) the respondent obtained the technological devices whilst he was
with his National Disability Insurance Scheme support workers
in the community.”17
[11] Cooper J heard the first contravention proceedings on 8 September 2022. His Honour
found the breaches proved and released the respondent back on to the supervision
order with some amendments.18
[12] From late November 2022, those supervising the respondent noticed increasing non-
compliance with the supervision order and hostility towards staff. He was not
complying with curfew, failing to be contactable, avoiding or refusing urine analysis,
using unapproved smartphones and failing to report new associates. Contravention
proceedings were then commenced against him. Ten breaches were alleged. It is
unnecessary to go into detail, but the breaches concerned possessing various
telephones and a tablet, communicating with women without permission, and holding
various social media accounts without disclosure.
[13] On 25 March 2024, Crowley J found the breaches proved and released the respondent
back on to the supervision order.19 The present proceedings concern breaches, the
first of which occurred in May 2024, a couple of months after being released pursuant
to the order of Crowley J.
[14] Since release upon the order of Wilson J on 20 August 2021, the respondent has only
spent about 13 months in the community and that has been spent at The Precinct:
Released upon orders of Wilson J 20.08.2021
Returned to custody (5½ months at The Precinct) 31.01.2022
Released upon orders of Cooper J 08.09.2022
Returned to custody (5½ months at The Precinct) 27.02.2023
17 At [20].
18 Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Musso [2022] QSC 184.
19 Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Musso, unreported, Crowley J, 25 March 2024.
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Released upon orders of Crowley J 25.03.2024
Returned to custody (2½ months at The Precinct) 21.06.2024
[15] In submissions, the current contravention was described as “relating to threatening
and intimidating behaviour, use and possess internet-capable telephones, accessing
social media, unapproved contact”. This occurred against a context of ongoing and
significant self-harm.
[16] The particulars of the contravention are described in the application as follows:
“ SCHEDULE
PARTICULARS
SUPERVISION ORDER REQUIREMENTS ALLEGED TO HAVE
BEEN CONTRAVENED
(6) A corrective services officer will supervise you until this order is
finished. This means you must obey any reasonable direction
that a corrective services officer gives you about:
a) where you are allowed to live; and
b) rehabilitation, care or treatment programs; and
c) using drugs and alcohol; and
d) anything else, except for instructions that mean you will
break the rules in this supervision order.
A “reasonable direction” is an instruction about what you must
do, or what you must not do, that is reasonable in that situation.
If you are not sure about a direction, you can ask a corrective
services officer for more information, or talk to your lawyer
about it.
(20) You are only allowed to own or have (even if you do not own it)
one mobile phone. You must tell a corrective services officer the
details (make, model, phone number and service provider) about
any mobile phone you own or have within 24 hours of when you
get the phone.
(22) You must get written permission from a corrective services
officer before you are allowed to use a computer, phone or other
device to access the internet.
(24) You must give a corrective services officer details (including
user names and passwords) about any email address, instant
messaging service, chat rooms, or social networking sites that
you use. You must do this within 24 hours of when you start
using any of these things.
(32) You must obey any direction a corrective services officer gives
you about seeing a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, social
worker or other counsellor.
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(40) You are not allowed to start or show violence or violent
behaviour against anyone, except in self-defence.
FACTUAL BASIS OF ALLEGED CONTRAVENTIONS
Background:
The respondent is an offender subject to a supervision order pursuant
to the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (the Act).
On 20 August 2021, Wilson J ordered that the respondent be released
from custody and be subject to a supervision order under the Act (the
supervision order). The supervision order contains 40 requirements to
be in force for 10 years, until 23 August 2031. The order was amended
by Cooper J on 8 September 2022, and further amended by Crowley J
on 25 March 2024, following previous contravention proceedings.
On 25 March 2024, by way of a QCS induction process for his release
to the supervision order as amended, the respondent signed a form
titled ‘Acknowledgment Supervision Order’ dated 25 March 2024 and
was issued with a reasonable direction dated 25 March 2024 in relation
to social media, namely the respondent is not permitted to access any
social media website or application without the prior approval of an
authorised Corrective Services officer.
At no material time was the respondent granted approval by an
authorised Corrective Services officer to access social media.
Alleged contraventions:
On 11 May 2024, the respondent was on transported movements with
Electronic Monitoring and Surveillance Unit (“EMSU”) staff and
talked on the phone to his mother, in an expressive, vulgar swearing
tirade delivered in a loud tone, with EMSU assessing that the nature
of the phone call and behaviour was to intimidate the EMSU officers.
As a result of the respondent’s behaviour, an offensive behaviour
incident was raised.
On 23 May 2023, EMSU advised the respondent that it was
determined EMSU would not provide transport to the respondent’s
psychological treatment session that day, due to a recent behaviour of
the respondent whilst on transport, as the respondent was presenting a
threatening and hostile manner on the phone and dictating how EMSU
officers needed to engage. When informed of the same, the respondent
refused to engage with his treating psychologist via video conference
as directed, contrary to requirement (32) of the supervision order.
In May 2024, the respondent made a self-disclosure that he was
possessing an unapproved internet capable mobile device (“the
phone”) and accessing social media, contrary to requirements (20),
(22) and (24) of the supervision order. The phone was seized and the
matter referred to the Queensland Police Service (QPS). On 24 May
2024, the respondent was charged with two counts of contravention of
relevant order under the Act, including the unapproved using of social
media and unapproved internet use.
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QPS identified the respondent had been having contact with an
unapproved adult female (“AM”), who resides interstate and had
previously indicated she did not want to be in contact with the
respondent.
On 27 May 2024, as a male tradesman attending to a matter on the
Wacol contingency precinct, he walked past the respondent in order to
enter the Wacol Reporting Centre. The respondent observed the
tradesman holding a smart phone and said to him “I’ll roll you for that”
and implying that he will steal the phone off the tradesman. The
respondent then attended a case management meeting with his Senior
Case Manager (“SCM”) and started the interview stating “fuck that
tradie”. The respondent stated to his SCM “When I go out there I’ll
smash the dog cunt and rape him”. He then gave an ultimatum where
he stated if QCS staff do not transport him to obtain his medications
the next day, he would not see his psychologist later in the week. The
respondent asked to leave the interview room and his request was
granted, however, he then did not leave the interview room and was
directed to leave. The respondent disclosed swallowing one “AAA”
battery later that afternoon as he believed he was being returned to
custody.
The respondent’s community outings with his male NDIS support
worker commenced on 30 May 2024, after significant difficulty with
NDIS securing male support workers willing and able to support the
respondent. However, due to the respondent’s frequent hospital
attendances, he engaged in very few community outings with NDIS.
On 31 May 2024, the respondent contacted the Queensland
Ambulance Service (“QAS”), due to swallowing of batteries at 0616
hours and he was discharged from the Princess Alexandra Hospital
(“PAH”) at 1330 hours the same day.
On 1 June 2024, the respondent requested QAS attendance, due to
swallowing batteries at 0414 hours. QCS was advised that he is to be
discharged, however would need to re-attend on 2 June 2024 for
examinations and further scans. The respondent was discharged at
1645 hours on the same day, however advised he was without
medication.
On 6 June 2024, the respondent refused an EMSU transport to attend
his appointment with his treating psychologist, Shay Addison,
contrary to requirement (32) of the supervision order. On the same
day, QCS confirmed with the respondent that he is unable to obtain
his mental health medication with the chemist until he pays his
outstanding debt of $78 to the chemist. During the conversation with
QCS, the respondent stated he wanted to be returned to custody, stated
“call Bianca and get a warrant” and threatening to abscond from the
Wacol contingency precinct. During a case discussion held with Ms
Addison on the same day, Ms Addison indicated that she believed the
respondent may be engaging in self-sabotage behaviours and if the
respondent continued to not receiving his medication, he may use that
as an excuse to justify his poor behaviour.
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On 7 June 2024, whilst the respondent was presented at the Richlands
Magistrates Court in relation to his charges, he was overheard by
EMSU officers (accompanying him at the time) making comments on
a phone call to ‘abscond’ and ‘remove his device’, or words to that
effect.
On 9 June 2024, the respondent requested QAS attendance, due to
swallowing of batteries and cutting his forearm with a knife at 1628
hours. Whilst in attendance at the PAH, QCS were informed PAH
staff that on two occasions, the respondent left the ward and
‘absconded’. When QCS staff made contact with the respondent at
1803 hours, the respondent stated he did not feel safe, was not going
to return to the Wacol contingency precinct and told QCS to “apply
for a warrant”. The respondent stated he had not taken his
medications for a few days as he has an outstanding debt with the
chemist and he is not paid until Tuesday. The respondent stated, “ring
Bianca and get the warrant or I’ll force your hand”. During a later
phone call, he stated if a warrant is not arranged, he will have PAH
staff deem him a “threat and force QCS’s hand” and further stated,
“if I have to cut I will”. PAH advised QCS that the respondent had
been brought to the hospital on an Emergency Examination Authority
(EEA) as he was suicidal and hallucinating.
At 2006 hours on 9 June 2024, the respondent presented as somewhat
settled during a telephone call and he reported he had received some
medication. PAH staff called QCS at 2037 hours to advise the
respondent had self-discharged and was refusing x-rays. Due to his
heightened presentation during his hospital attendance, QCS staff
declined to transport the respondent to the Wacol contingency precinct
and a taxi was organised. PAH staff advised the respondent has an
appointment with a psychiatrist on 13 June 2024 at Woolloongabba.
During a telephone call with the SCM on 10 June 2024, the respondent
reported still being in possession of the kitchen knife he used to cut
himself the day prior, however intended to return it to the kitchen.
Further, at 1908 hours on the 10 June 2024, the respondent requested
QAS’ assistance and was on route to PAH when the Central
Monitoring Service (“CMS”) were advised of the trip. When EMSU
officers queried the respondent on the purpose of the trip, he stated
“personal business and I do not need to tell you”. The respondent also
failed to advise QCS officers that he was receiving QAS transport to
hospital.
At 2032 hours on 10 June 2024, the respondent advised QCS officers
that he was self-discharging, as the hospital had reportedly refused to
treat him and EMSU officers collected the respondent from PAH and
returned him to the Wacol contingency precinct at 2040 hours.
On 12 June 2024, on route back to the Wacol contingency precinct
from a psychological appointment, the respondent requested to be
dropped off at the PAH as he had swallowed a watch battery a few
-- 12 of 25 --
13
days prior and was experiencing abdominal pain, and he subsequently
self-discharged after a few hours.
On 13 June 2024, the respondent attended the psychiatric appointment
at Woolloongabba. Later that night, the respondent requested QAS’
attendance, and after a few hours at the PAH, he self-discharged and
was returned to the Wacol contingency precinct at 0417 hours.
In the morning on 14 June 2024, information was received from AM
(an adult female, referred to in paragraph 13 above) and AM advised
QCS that:
(a) she knew the respondent when they were teenagers and has not
seen him since she was 19 years of age;
(b) every time the respondent was released from custody, he would
commence contacting her and, despite her attempting to offer
him general support and encouragement, he would (consistently
and very quickly) start calling and messaging her constantly,
commence a display of manipulative behaviour and make
threatening comments;
(c) since his re-release this year (2024), the respondent has called
and messaged her from approximately six different mobile
numbers despite her routinely blocking the said numbers, and he,
at times, calls from private numbers to circumvent the mobile
phone blocking process;
(d) during that particular morning, she had 12 missed calls from the
respondent and some voice mail messages, including a mean
voicemail message stating “I’m not scared of you, fuck you” and
similar;
(e) the calls from the respondent sound as though they are often
made from a hospital setting;
(f) approximately three days before, the respondent left a voice mail
from a private number where he appeared to “snap” and
threatened to kill AM’s partner and destroy his life, to which the
respondent later called apologising;
(g) the respondent would often threaten to kill himself and implied
it will be her fault if he does so;
(h) the respondent had messaged her for a week using two different
Facebook accounts, one under the name (from her recollection)
of T M and another one under the name T G. The T G account’s
profile picture was of the respondent’s face, and the T M account
had a picture of a white ute;
(i) some of the posts from the T M account involved obsessive rants
about an unnamed woman and she believes these were about her,
and the last time the respondent contacted her via Facebook was
approximately one week before; and
-- 13 of 25 --
14
(j) she has told the respondent many times to stop contacting her
and leave her alone, however the respondent failed to do so.”20
(emphasis added)
Relevant statutory provisions
[17] Division 5 Part 2 of the DPSOA concerns contraventions of supervision orders.
Relevantly here, s 22 provides, relevantly:
“22 Court may make further order
(1) The following subsections apply if the court is satisfied, on the
balance of probabilities, that the released prisoner is likely to
contravene, is contravening, or has contravened, a requirement
of the supervision order or interim supervision order (each
the existing order).
(2) Unless the released prisoner satisfies the court, on the balance of
probabilities, that the adequate protection of the community can,
despite the contravention or likely contravention of the existing
order, be ensured by the existing order as amended under
subsection (7), the court must—
(a) if the existing order is a supervision order, rescind it and
make a continuing detention order; or
(b) if the existing order is an interim supervision order, rescind
it and make an order that the released prisoner be detained
in custody for the period stated in the order.
…
(7) If the released prisoner satisfies the court, on the balance of
probabilities, that the adequate protection of the community can,
despite the contravention or likely contravention of the existing
order, be ensured by a supervision order or interim supervision
order, the court—
(a) must amend the existing order to include all of the
requirements under section 16(1) if the order does not
already include all of those requirements; and
(b) may otherwise amend the existing order in a way the court
considers appropriate—
(i) to ensure adequate protection of the community; or
(ii) for the prisoner’s rehabilitation or care or treatment.
(8) The existing order may not be amended under subsection (7)(b)
so as to remove any requirements mentioned in section 16(1).”
[18] Here the contraventions are admitted so I am satisfied that the respondent contravened
the supervision order. It then falls upon the respondent to demonstrate that the
20 This extract has been faithfully reproduced notwithstanding the appearance of obvious errors.
-- 14 of 25 --
15
adequate protection of the community can, despite the contraventions, be ensured by
the supervision order either in its current form or amended.21 If he does not discharge
that onus, then the supervision order must be rescinded and a continuing detention
order made.
The psychiatric evidence
[19] The concept of “adequate protection of the community” is linked to concepts deriving
from s 13 of the DPSOA of a prisoner being a “serious danger to the community”
where there is an “unacceptable risk that the prisoner will commit a serious sexual
offence”.22 As observed in Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Brown:
“Two principles are well established. Firstly, “the adequate protection
of the community” refers to protection of the community from the
commission, by the prisoner, of “a serious sexual offence”. It is not a
general protection against all offending by the prisoner. … Secondly,
the supervision order is not an end in itself. A prisoner ought not
remain in custody only because there is a risk of breach of the
supervision order. A prisoner remains in custody if he fails to prove
that the adequate protection of the community against the commission
by him of a “serious sexual offence” can be ensured by his release on
supervision.”23 (footnotes omitted)
[20] Psychiatric evidence came from Dr Karen Brown and Dr Kenneth Arthur. Both are
registered specialist psychiatrists and both have extensive experience with
respondents under the DPSOA. Their expertise was not challenged and is accepted.
[21] The evidence of both Dr Brown and Dr Arthur was given against a background of the
respondent being engaged in treatment by a psychologist, Shay Addison.
[22] Ms Addison provided a report dated 30 July 2024. She had provided an earlier report
on 27 November 2023.
[23] Ms Addison has had considerable contact with the respondent, having been involved
in 44 sessions between 7 September 2023 and 12 June 2024. She has conducted
sessions with the respondent since his latest return to custody.
[24] In her latest report, she said that the respondent’s conduct towards her remained
appropriate and non-threatening. Her observations were that he continued to display
“frequent emotional dysregulation in response to many issues”. She opined that at
times he could understand his reactions but had little capacity to apply alternative
strategies to showing aggression when he is triggered. She was of the view that the
respondent showed some awareness as to the reasons for and consequences of his
self-harming. She observed that he had struggled to adapt to community-based living
and that had affected the impact of treatment delivery that she was attempting to
achieve. She observed that his “engagement with treatment in custody was broadly
on track”. She thought that in that environment there was progress. She opined that
once released to The Precinct, the respondent was faced with a “myriad [of] triggers
and acute risk issues” and they frustrated his treatment efforts.
21 Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003, ss 22(2), 22(7).
22 Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003, ss 13(1), 13(2).
23 [2024] QSC 118 at [18].
-- 15 of 25 --
16
[25] Ms Addison considered that part of an ongoing treatment plan ought to be
engagement by the respondent with a forensic psychiatrist and also the completion of
a functional risk analysis of his tendency to violence. She is available to continue
treating Mr Musso in custody.
[26] Ms Addison was called as a witness before me on the application.
[27] Ms Addison explained that she was administering Schema therapy to Mr Musso. This
is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy designed specifically for people who have
long-term problems and typically being people who have personality disorders like
Mr Musso.24 Ms Addison explained that Mr Musso seemed focused in his treatment
sessions while he was in custody. When in the community, he was distracted by the
challenges which being outside the custodial environment presented.25
[28] Ms Addison saw him in October about four months after he was taken back into
custody in June 2024. He presented her with 136 pages of handwritten relapse
prevention materials and Ms Addison opined that he had an “extremely good
understanding of what his risk factors are”.26 She explained in evidence before me
the ramifications of Mr Musso’s severe personality disorder, including his lack of
trust, his tendency to attempt to dominate relationships and resist limits that are placed
upon him.27
[29] Ms Addison was asked in cross-examination to express her opinion concerning the
applicant’s risk of re-offending. Objection was taken but overruled. In my view, Ms
Addison is properly qualified both by formal learning and experience to give an
opinion in relation to risk.
[30] Ms Addison opined that there was a substantial disparity between the respondent
threatening violent and/or sexual offending, and the prospect of him actually
perpetrating those crimes. Ultimately though, she thought that the respondent’s
treatment and management would be promoted by the completion of a functional risk
analysis where the threats of violence could be evaluated. She has asked for funding
for such an analysis, but there has been no response to that request.
[31] Ms Addison confirmed in cross-examination that ongoing treatment by a forensic
psychiatrist was necessary for the respondent’s ongoing treatment.28
[32] Before turning to the evidence of Dr Arthur and Dr Brown, it is necessary to mention
the evidence of Emma Wildermoth. She is the Acting Manager of the High Risk
Offender Management Unit (HROMU) within Queensland Corrective Services
(QCS). HROMU supervises prisoners such as the respondent who are subject to
orders under the DPSOA.
[33] Ms Wildermoth swore an affidavit attesting to various things, but importantly she
gave evidence about the availability, through QCS, of a privately-funded psychiatrist.
Both psychiatrists and Ms Addison opined that a necessary part of the respondent’s
ongoing treatment is the involvement of a forensic psychiatrist.
24 Transcript, T2-6.
25 Transcript, T2-4.
26 Transcript, T2-6.
27 Transcript, T2-8 – T2-9.
28 Transcript, T2-14.
-- 16 of 25 --
17
[34] Psychiatrists holding the relevant qualifications and experience are likely only to be
found in the private profession and not through the public health system. Ms
Wildermoth gave evidence that QCS does not engage private psychiatrists for the
management of patients. It relies on other agencies to provide medical treatment.29
The respondent, she said, does not have the facilities of the prison’s mental health
service available to him, as he does not have a recognised mental illness. He suffers
from a very severe personality disorder, but that is not a mental illness.30 Other
services such as Community Mental Health were unable to provide the type of
specialised psychiatric treatment that is said to be necessary.31 While she has made
inquiries and is continuing to do so, at this point no avenue to provide specialised
forensic psychiatric treatment to the respondent has been identified.32
[35] Dr Arthur has assessed the respondent on numerous occasions since 2018. He has
provided various reports and they have been the subject of analysis in previous
judgments. He confirmed his earlier diagnosis of severe personality disorder.
[36] Dr Arthur observed that the respondent’s behaviour during his most recent assessment
was “moderately improved compared to prior presentations”.33 However, Dr Arthur
went on to observe that “he continued to display evidence of significant personality
pathology”. He did this by seeking to control the interview and blame others. He
was in denial, angry and refused to compromise. Dr Arthur saw little evidence of
remorse or regret for his behaviour.34
[37] As to risk:
(i) Dr Arthur observed that the respondent has only been convicted of one serious
sexual offence. Notwithstanding this, his risk of sexual offending is well above
average and “he has many relevant dynamic risk factors for sexual recidivism”;
(ii) because there has only been one offence of a sexual nature involving violence,
there is no pattern of offending. Dr Arthur observed that notwithstanding this,
he thought re-offending was most likely to occur in an intimate relationship
when the respondent became negatively emotionally aroused. Importantly, Dr
Arthur observed “there is a chance that any sexual violence may escalate to
serious or life-threatening violence”;
(iii) Dr Arthur observed that the respondent has not completed any group sex
offender treatment programs, but has engaged in psychological treatment.
This, he opined, has been challenging given the respondent’s severe personality
disorder and the fact that he has been in and out of the community and in and
out of custody; and
(iv) Dr Arthur considers there has been a modest improvement in emotional
self-regulation as a result of treatment, but remains prone to decomposition and
regression.35
29 Transcript, T2-27 – T2-28.
30 Transcript, T2-28.
31 Transcript, T2-28.
32 Transcript, T2-29 – T2-30.
33 Report of Dr Arthur dated 18 September 2024, paragraph 122.
34 Report of Dr Arthur dated 18 September 2024, paragraphs 122 - 123.
35 Report of Dr Arthur dated 18 September 2024, paragraphs 148 - 151.
-- 17 of 25 --
18
[38] Dr Arthur made a number of recommendations. These included continual
psychological therapy, preferably with Ms Addison, and also specialist psychiatric
treatment. Dr Arthur then opined:
“It would be highly beneficial for there to be a period of pre-planning
prior to his release from custody. This should include the following –
• Regular treatment sessions with Ms Addison to provide
evidence of re-engagement in therapy prior to release.
• A clear plan for accessing specialist psychiatric treatment in
the community, either via a commitment (in writing) from
local Mental Health Services of alternatively securing the
involvement of a private psychiatrist.
• The appointment of an administrator who can ensure that his
nutritional and medical needs are consistently funded. I
anticipate that prisoner Musso will actively resist this, but
based on his prior behaviour I see no other option at this time.
Much of prisoner Musso’s stress in the community comes from
his poor financial management and impulsive spending. Given
the complexity of his family relationships, I do not think it is
appropriate to rely on his mother to control his finances.
• If not already done, it would be useful to liaise with local
emergency services to formulate a consistent response to
future episodes of deliberate self-harm or claims of suicidality.
It would be useful to have an operationalised document that
prisoner Musso can refer to as required. This should outline
the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved to ensure
that a consistent approach is taken.”36
[39] In cross-examination, Dr Arthur was referred to evidence which he had given before
Crowley J. He accepted, in particular:
“[MR HAMLYN-HARRIS]: And sorry, there is one final thing. On
the next page, page 127, just at about line 21 you said, “I don’t think
it’s necessary for Mr Musso to have a psychiatrist appointed prior to
his release,” and I think – am I right in thinking that reflects one of the
last answers you gave to Mr Tate? That if these things that you’ve
recommended, and Dr – and Dr Brown has recommended – they can
be put in place, then he could progress into the community?---Um, yes.
I – I think – I think that it’d be ideal for him to – to know who that
person is and to have some contact with them prior to release, um,
because, um, my understanding Mr Musso and his personality is that
he – it will take some time for him to get to know that person and
there’s certainly going to be, um, ups and downs in that therapeutic
relationship as there is in every relationship Mr Musso has. Um, so I
think from continuity perspective, it would be better for him to know
that person, to have some interaction, um, but it’s not absolutely
necessary.”37
36 Report of Dr Arthur dated 18 September 2024, paragraph 159.
37 Transcript, T3-34.
-- 18 of 25 --
19
[40] In further cross-examination:
“MR HAMLYN-HARRIS: Dr Arthur, one thing I meant to ask you:
Is the – you’ve said very clearly that in your opinion he needs
treatment from a suitably qualified psychiatrist, is that relevant to the
management of his risk of sexual reoffending?---Um, considering that
the major modifying ri – modifiable risk factor for sexual offending is
his personality disorder, and his personality disfunction, then
absolutely yes, it is.”38
[41] Dr Brown saw the respondent for the first time on 10 October 2024. In her report she
reviewed previous reports prepared by other psychiatrists and also referred to various
prison records. She also diagnosed severe personality disorder.
[42] Dr Brown observed that there were difficulties in the interview, as the respondent was
unwilling to discuss various things and became agitated. Her opinions and
recommendations were expressed in her report as follows:
“SECTION F: OPINION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In my opinion Mr Musso’s unmodified risk of sexual (and violent)
reoffending is high. He has a score of 6 on the Static-99R, and there
is evidence for most of the risk factors as listed on the Rick for Sexual
Violence Protocol-V2. The risk is elevated due to Mr Musso’s severe
personality pathology with psychopathy, substance use disorder, his
tendency for intense and unstable relationships associated with
episodes of severe emotional and behavioural dysregulation and his
difficulties responding to treatment. Mr Musso’s sexual preferences
are poorly understood. He is institutionalised and he lacks appropriate
personal support and routine.
The risk of sexual reoffending would be elevated with intoxication and
most likely in context of an unstable relationship. Offending may be
directed at an intimate partner or another adult female perceived by
Mr Musso to represent a threat to this relationship. Sexual offending
would serve as a way of re-establishing power and control and may
involve use of threats and physical force/violence. Victims may
sustain physical and/or psychological harm.
Mr Musso has been released to the community on three occasions
since 2021. Each time he has presented in a similar manner, initially
reasonably compliant and settled, followed by a period of non-
compliance, increasingly reckless and dysregulated behaviours and
then usually in crisis with associated demands to return to custody.
Although Mr Musso has not committed a sexual offence (or violent
offence) during his periods of release, he has made numerous threats
of violence and sexual violence and he has presented as intimidating,
even to those familiar with him. Additionally he has engaged in
unstable relationships and become dysregulated and threatening when
conflicts inevitably occurred. It is of particular concern that Mr Musso
repeatedly contacted AM (his girlfriend at the time of the index
38 Transcript, T3-36.
-- 19 of 25 --
20
offences) and made threats to harm her partner when she disengaged
with him. This is offence paralleling behaviour. At interview Mr
Musso would not agree that this was the case and he indicated that he
would continue to pursue contact with AM on release. He also
indicated that he would obtain unauthorised devices and access social
media.
Despite an academic understanding of the psychological treatment
provided to him, Mr Musso has been unable to significantly employ
sufficient therapeutic strategies so as to maintain his placement in the
community. His recent engagement in treatment sessions with his
psychologist was significantly compromised by his frustrated
dysregulation regarding the restrictions of the supervision order.
There is no indication that this will change, at least in the short term.
As such any community supervision cannot rely on the internalised
risk reduction that comes with treatment, instead the risk must be
managed by the external restrictions and monitoring associated with
the conditions of the supervision order. Unfortunately in Mr Musso’s
case, despite the various supports and oversights in place, QCS has
been unable to prevent Mr Musso from gross non-compliance with the
order to date, because he routinely disregards the conditions and he is
immune to sanctions and punishments associated with non-
compliance.
Should Mr Musso be released to a supervision order, the risk of sexual
reoffending will only be reduced to moderate-high (due to the
restrictions around substance and victim access). It is most likely that
Mr Musso will repeat the same set of non-compliant behaviours in the
community as he has in the past, before he is again returned to custody.
Unfortunately on this occasion of release he only managed to remain
in the community for 2.5 months which is less than the previous two
episodes of release (5 months).
I note Mr Musso’s difficulties in the custodial environment and level
of institutionalisation. Whilst I agree that long periods in prison may
be counterproductive for Mr Musso, I also note that he has responded
better to therapy in the custodial environment and he can achieve
periods of relative stability. In my view he requires additional
psychological treatment and other supports to be in place prior to
release.
I therefore recommend the following:
1. Mr Musso should be offered psychological treatment with Dr
Addison in custody so as to address his ongoing treatment needs,
particularly in the areas of relationships, emotional and
behavioural regulation and offence paralleling behaviours;
2. Mr Musso should be referred to a private forensic psychiatrist for
medical management of his mental health disorders;
3. Mr Musso should be encouraged to develop a routine in custody
(eg study or work) and to maintain appropriate behaviour;
-- 20 of 25 --
21
4. His apparent inability to manage his money, medication and other
aspects of daily living should be addressed, with some form of
oversight or agreed management plan, (noting this may be difficult
to achieve as Mr Musso does not have a cognitive disorder that
limits his capacity in this regard).
Should a supervision order be made, in my view this should be for a
period of 10 years, given the risks as described.”39 (emphasis added)
[43] Dr Brown’s opinion that a supervision order would only reduce risk to a
moderate-high level and only reduces risk at all by restricting substance and victim
access was not challenged in cross-examination.
[44] In examination-in-chief, this exchange occurred:
“[MR TATE]: All right. You say this in page 64 of your report, the
paragraph from the bottom, about halfway through that paragraph, “As
such, any community supervision cannot rely on the internalised risk
reduction that comes with treatment. Instead, the risk must be
managed by the external restrictions and monitoring associated with
the conditions of the supervision order.” Doctor, I take it what you’re
signalling there is that, as at today, there’s been no internal change in
relation to Mr Musso that would give this court confidence that he has
skills to reduce his risk himself. Is that a fair way of understanding -
- -?---I think - - -
- - - it?--- --- there’s been some change over time compared to when
he was first released. But unfortunately, it’s just not enough. I think
it’s important to acknowledge that he has engaged with psychology.
He has made some gains. It’s just not enough. And it’s not in the
areas of most concern, in my opinion. It’s not around that rela – the
relationships – the romantic relationships and how that – that – um,
that pattern of behaviours is – how – how and why that pattern of
behaviours is concerning.”40
[45] Later:
“[MR TATE]: All right. Now, Doctor, as I understand your
recommendations, you’re really indicating that there should be a
further period of custody, really, to get these things in place so that
there is a managed transition again, from custody to the community,
to give Mr Musso the best opportunity of surviving for longer than two
and a-half months; is that a fair summary?---Broadly, because I – I – I
– I mean, I – I – I think – I prefer to talk in terms of risk, but – rather
than custody, but, um, I – I can’t see that there’s any other way of
addressing the risks that I’ve described. And unfortunately, in my
view, um, a supervision order at this stage is not going to – um, ap –
uh, it’s not going to reduce the risk very much, really, at all. Um, and
– and – and – and – and that’s really my, uh – my, um opinion, uh, in
39 Report of Dr Brown, pages 63 - 65.
40 Transcript, T3-11.
-- 21 of 25 --
22
relation to tho – to those risks. And – and – so it’s – it – in – in – in
moving forward, it’s difficult to see an alternative.”41
[46] Under cross-examination, Mr Hamlyn-Harris, for the respondent, questioned Dr
Brown about the need for the appointment of a private psychiatrist, and she responded
as follows:
“[MR HAMLYN-HARRIS]: Sorry, I mean - - -?--- - - - this - - -
- - - without a psychiatrist being appointed?---Look, I – I think that –
that there’s – the – the mainstay of – of – of treating, um, Mr Musso
at this juncture is, really, psychological treatment, actually - - -
Yep?--- - - - um, and I think that’s the role, primarily, of – of – Ms
Addison. The forensic psychiatrist’s input is important, um, in relation
to the – the – the medical management, um, and the overview of risk,
but, um, I – I – I – I’m not sure that that should be seen as, um,
trumping, if you like, what Ms Addison, I think, is primarily needing
to do.”42
[47] The appointment of a treating forensic psychiatrist was exposed during cross-
examination of both Dr Brown and Dr Arthur as problematic. As already observed43,
questions arose as to who will retain and pay the psychiatrist’s fees. It is not the
practise of QCS to do so, the respondent’s NDIS package may not facilitate it, and as
Dr Brown said during examination-in-chief:
“[MR TATE]: Now, you’ll see that it is possible for Mr Musso to go
and talk to a GP and get a psychiatric care plan. Doctor, is there
anything stopping Mr Musso from doing that? And why I’m asking
you this is that you do raise an issue about his – whether he’s a person
of impaired capacity. But is there anything stopping him from seeing
a - - -?---No, there’s - - -
- - - GP?--- - - - nothing stopping him from going to get a mental hea
– health care plan. But the problem is – is that, in my opinion, that’s
not going to provide him with what he needs. I – I note it says
“psychiatrist” there in the – on page 16. Um, insofar as I’m aware,
obtaining a private psychiatrist on a mental health care plan is quite
hard to do. Um, uh, it – it – generally, uh, this is allied health
professionals, um, that are accessed through a mental health care plan,
um, a psychologist – psychologists, mainly. So it – it – it – it would
be difficult. And also, as I’ve said previously, in my opinion, Mr
Musso needs a forensic psychiatrist to manage him.”44
Other evidence
[48] Before me were various records of the respondent’s behaviour in prison. No specific
submissions were made in relation to any of that material, although parts were
referred to by the doctors in their reports and in their evidence. The material was
41 Transcript, T3-17.
42 Transcript, T3-18.
43 Ms Wildermoth’s evidence; see paragraph [33]-[34] of these reasons.
44 Transcript, T3-16.
-- 22 of 25 --
23
relied upon in the formation of the opinions of the doctors. It is unnecessary for me
to analyse that material.
Consideration
[49] Both Dr Arthur and Dr Brown were of the view that the respondent should remain in
custody until he has received further treatment and made further progress. Those
opinions form part of the evidence upon which the Court must ultimately determine
whether the respondent has discharged the onus cast upon him under s 22 of the
DPSOA.
[50] The submission made on behalf of the applicant was that the application should be
adjourned for a period so that the respondent could receive further treatment and reach
a point in his rehabilitation where he might discharge the onus. Mr Hamlyn-Harris
resisted that course on two bases. Firstly, he said that on a proper understanding of
the evidence, psychiatric treatment was not necessary before the respondent could be
safely released upon the supervision order. Secondly, Mr Hamlyn-Harris pointed to
practical difficulties in the respondent obtaining that psychiatric treatment before
release.
[51] It is important to have regard to the statutory scheme of the DPSOA. There is a clear
distinction between the grant of judicial power to the Court and the grant of executive
power to the Chief Executive of QCS. As was explained in Crump v New South
Wales,45 in the context of parole orders, the judicial function was exhausted upon the
imposition of sentence. Control of the prisoner then passed to the executive, who
would then exercise powers consistently with the statutory parole scheme.46 In
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Sambo,47 a Judge of this Court, on
hearing an application s 22 of the DPSOA, ordered that a supervision order be
amended to insert a condition requiring the Chief Executive to provide, amongst other
things, specific psychiatric treatment. The Court of Appeal held that there was no
jurisdiction to impose such conditions upon the Chief Executive who had other
functions under the Act.48
[52] There may well be cases where it is appropriate to adjourn an application brought
under Division 5 of Part 2 of the DPSOA to enable a prisoner to take steps which may
enable him to discharge the onus cast by s 22. However, in my view, that will
generally be inappropriate. Such a course effectively involves the Court in the
treatment of the prisoner.
[53] What is envisaged is an ongoing process where after the Court adjourns the
application, the prisoner undergoes further treatment which is then judged upon at
some point by the Court. That is not the statutory scheme. If the prisoner breaches a
supervision order and an application is brought pursuant to Division 5, the function
of the Court is to firstly determine whether the breach has been proved, and if so, to
rescind the supervision order unless the prisoner discharges the onus cast upon him
under s 22. If he does not discharge that onus, then the supervision order ought to be
45 (2012) 247 CLR 1.
46 At [34]; see also R v Hatahet (2024) 98 ALJR 863 at [19]-[28].
47 [2012] QCA 171.
48 See also Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Hynds [2013] QCA 124.
-- 23 of 25 --
24
rescinded, and a continuing detention order made, which is then reviewed pursuant
to Part 3 of the DPSOA.
[54] While a prisoner is in the custody of the Chief Executive, questions of treatment and
management of the prisoner are matters for the Chief Executive, not the Court. It is
not, in my view, appropriate to adjourn the application for a period of six to nine
months as proposed by the applicant.
[55] The respondent has been unable to comply with the terms of the supervision order.
However, in Attorney-General (Qld) v Fardon,49 Jackson J reviewed the authorities
and concluded that persistent breaches of a supervision order are only relevant to the
extent that they impact upon consideration of the statutorily-defined question, which
is whether “adequate protection of the community” can be ensured by release on
supervision.50
[56] The respondent has not committed a serious sexual offence since 2014. Although he
has a severe personality disorder, he has been making some progress under the
treatment of his psychologist, Ms Addison. However, the fact that the respondent has
not committed a serious sexual offence for many years must be looked at in light of
the fact that he has been in custody almost constantly over that period. His periods
of release on supervision have been very short.
[57] Mr Hamlyn-Harris submitted that the supervision order, although breached,
performed the task of monitoring the respondent and returning him to custody as risk
elevated. Therefore, it was submitted that release back on the order was appropriate.
[58] The psychiatric evidence is to the effect that the respondent does not cope in the
community, even under the very restricted conditions of The Precinct. His
personality disorder manifests itself as a refusal to comply with directions. He has
breached important conditions which are designed to minimise risk, and he has
threatened to remove his monitoring device and abscond. His instability is illustrated
by his continual acts of self-harm. He has been receiving treatment but Mr Addison’s
opinion is that he is more receptive to treatment when in custody.
[59] Both psychiatrists consider the respondent’s unmodified risk of re-offending as high
and Dr Brown considers the risk only reduced to moderate-high by a supervision
order. Ms Addison opined that further examination of risk was necessary.
[60] Risk has, relevantly here, two components. The first is the likelihood of an adverse
event occurring, and the second is the consequence of an adverse event occurring.51
While there has been some progress, the evidence here is that if the risk materialised
it may be accompanied with life-threatening violence.
[61] The current breaches of the supervision order, which are admitted are in my view,
very serious and demonstrate an escalation of risk:
49 [2018] QSC 193; on appeal on another point of Attorney-General (Qld) v Fardon [2019] 2 Qd R 487.
50 Attorney-General (Qld) v Fardon [2018] QSC 193 at [76]; and Attorney-General for the State of
Queensland v Tiers [2021] QSC 115 and the analysis of the cases at [26]-[28].
51 Attorney-General (Qld) v Lawrence [2011] QCA 347 at [90], following Attorney-General (Qld) v
Beattie [2007] QCA 96.
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25
(i) he was threatening and hostile to QCS officers and a tradesman with whom he
came into contact;
(ii) in breach of the supervision conditions, he had been seeking out contact with a
woman;
(iii) he possessed unapproved internet-capable mobile devices;
(iv) he was accessing social media;
(v) his behaviour was manipulative in that he told staff that if they did not do
certain things he would refuse to see his psychologist;
(vi) he has self-harmed;
(vii) he threatened to “remove his device” and “abscond”;
(viii) he was generally uncooperative; and
(ix) he had been, at least, annoying (perhaps stalking) a woman he had known as a
teenager.
[62] In addition, both psychiatrists and Ms Addison opined that a necessary part of the
respondent’s ongoing treatment of his severe personality disorder requires the skills
of a forensic psychiatrist and there is presently little prospect of that treatment being
available in the community.
[63] Where a prisoner who is subject to a supervision order breaks that order, the onus
falls on them pursuant to s 22(2) of the DPSOA to demonstrate that adequate
protection of the community can be ensured by release upon a supervision order
(amended if necessary). The onus is not discharged by pointing to difficulties in
obtaining necessary treatment, such as from a forensic psychologist.
[64] In my view, the respondent has failed to demonstrate, on the balance of probabilities,
that the adequate protection of the community can, despite the contravention of the
existing order, be ensured by the existing order whether in its present form or as
amended. In my view, there are no amendments that can be made to ensure the
adequate protection of the community from the commission by the respondent of a
serious sexual offence.
[65] Pursuant to s 22(2) of the DPSOA, the supervision order ought to be rescinded and a
continuing detention order made.
Orders
[66] It is ordered:
1. The supervision order made by Wilson J on 20 August 2021, as amended by
Cooper J on 8 September 2022 and Crowley J on 25 March 2024, is rescinded.
2. The respondent be detained in custody for an indefinite term for control, care
or treatment.
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Official source: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/QSC/2024/325