Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Musso [2022] QSC 184
SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND
CITATION: Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Musso [2022]
QSC 184
PARTIES: ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR THE STATE OF
QUEENSLAND
(applicant)
v
FILIPPO JAMES MUSSO
(respondent)
FILE NO/S: BS No 2583 of 2018
DIVISION: Trial Division
PROCEEDING: Application
ORIGINATING
COURT: Supreme Court at Brisbane
DELIVERED ON: 8 September 2022
DELIVERED AT: Brisbane
HEARING DATE: 16 August 2022
JUDGE: Cooper J
ORDER: 1. The supervision order made by Wilson J on 20 August
2021 be amended in the form set out in the Schedule to
these reasons.
2. The respondent be released from custody subject to the
requirements of that amended supervision order until
23 August 2031.
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
released from custody under a supervision order made
pursuant to s 13(5)(b) of the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual
Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld) – where the respondent contravened
a number of the requirements of the supervision order and was
returned to custody where he continuously self-harmed –
where the Attorney-General applies in the alternative for an
order that the respondent be detained in custody for an
indefinite term for care, control or treatment, or for an order
that the respondent be released subject to an amended
supervision order – where psychiatric evidence describes the
respondent’s risk of committing a serious sexual offence as
ranging from high without a supervision order to low-moderate
or below average with a supervision order – whether an
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amended supervision order provides adequate protection of the
community from the commission of a serious sexual offence
by the respondent
Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld), s
13, s 16, s 20, s 22, s 27, s 43AA
Attorney-General (Qld) v Musso [2018] QSC 191, related
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Nemo [2020]
QSC 140, considered
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Francis
[2007] 1 Qd R 396; [2006] QCA 324, cited
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Musso [2019]
QSC 310, related
Kynuna v Attorney-General (Qld) [2016] QCA 172, cited
Turnbull v Attorney-General (Qld) [2015] QCA 54, applied
COUNSEL: J Tate for the applicant
P J Wilson for the respondent
SOLICITORS: Crown Solicitor for the applicant
Cridland & Hua Lawyers for the respondent
[1] On 23 August 2021, the respondent was released from custody under a supervision
order made pursuant to s 13(5)(b) of the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act
2003 (Qld) (“the Act”). It is common ground that, following his release, the
respondent contravened a number of the requirements of his supervision order.
[2] The Attorney-General now applies for a further order under s 22 of the Act. That
section applies if the court is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that a prisoner
released on a supervision order is likely to contravene, is contravening, or has
contravened a requirement of that order. Where the section is engaged, s 22(2)
provides that the respondent must satisfy the court, on the balance of probabilities,
that the adequate protection of the community can, despite the contraventions of the
existing supervision order, be ensured by that existing order. If the respondent fails
to do that the court must rescind the supervision order and make a continuing
detention order pursuant to s 22(2)(a).
History
[3] The respondent is presently 29 years of age. He was 20 years old at the time he
committed the index offences which engaged the operation of s 13 of the Act. Prior
to that offending, he had a criminal history dating back to 2010, the most serious
offence being armed robbery.
[4] The Attorney-General first filed an application for orders against the respondent
under the Act on 8 March 2022.
[5] The application was decided by Davis J on 24 August 2018.1
1 Attorney-General (Qld) v Musso [2018] QSC 191.
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[6] The index offences considered on that application included one count of torture, one
count of assault occasioning bodily harm, one count of extortion, one count of sexual
assault and one count of attempted fraud. The index offences include the only sexual
offending in which the respondent has engaged.
[7] The circumstances surrounding the index offences were set out in detail by Davis J.2
It is not necessary to set them out again.
[8] In considering whether the respondent presented a serious danger to the community
in the absence of a division 3 order, so as to enliven the discretion to make an order
under s 13(5) of the Act, Davis J stated that:3
“Here, the respondent has been diagnosed by all three psychiatrists as
having a personality disorder with anti-social and narcissistic traits.
All psychiatrists assessed his risk of violently, sexually offending
without supervision as high. All three saw the risk of violent offending
as a primary concern, but saw that offending as likely to have a sexual
element where the victim of the violence is female. There is evidence
of violent behaviour in prison and non-compliance with authority.”
[9] The psychiatrists who assessed the respondent and provided reports for the purpose
of that first application were Dr Harden, Dr Timmins and Dr Arthur.
[10] Turning then to the question what order should be made, Davis J stated:
“[104] … All three psychiatrists expressed concern as to whether the
respondent’s current state of mind was such that he could
comply with a supervision order. Concerns were also expressed
that he might flee. If at large without supervision, the risk of the
respondent committing a further serious sexual offence is high.
[105] All psychiatrists thought that either the MISOP or HISOP
should be completed by the respondent, with preference to the
HISOP which is not available in the community. The
psychiatrists were of the view that any courses should be
completed in custody. Views were expressed that the treatment
might destabilise the respondent initially and thereby increase
risk of reoffending. I accept that evidence.
[106] Turning my mind then to s 13(6)(b)(ii), there is the evidence of
Mr Bear and Mr Tannock that Corrective Services could not
manage the respondent in the community, which I accept. I have
considered whether conditions could be imposed to enable the
respondent to be managed within the community. I cannot
imagine conditions which could be imposed which could ensure
adequate protection of the public against the risk which the
respondent poses of committing a serious sexual offence.
[107] I am not satisfied that adequate protection of the community can
be ensured by the release of the respondent on supervision. The
2 Ibid at [14] – [17].
3 Ibid at [99].
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respondent is an unacceptable risk of committing a serious
sexual offence unless he is detained. …”
[11] For those reasons, Davis J ordered that the respondent be detained in custody for an
indefinite term for control, care or treatment pursuant to s 13(5)(a) of the Act.
[12] On 19 August 2019, the respondent and two other prisoners engaged in a riot at the
Wolston Correctional Centre. In the course of that riot, the respondent assaulted a
correctional services officer and engaged in acts of self-harm by cutting his wrists
and throat with razor blades. The respondent was subsequently sentenced by Judge
Loury QC to two years imprisonment for the offence of riot, with lesser terms of
imprisonment for the assault on the corrective services officer and a later assault of a
police officer by spitting on her, with the sentences to be suspended after eight months
with an operational period of two years.
[13] On 25 November 2019, Brown J decided an application pursuant to s 27 of the Act
for a review of the continuing detention of the respondent.4 Both Dr Arthur and Dr
Harden prepared further reports for the purpose of that review. Evidence was also
provided by Dr Andrews, the respondent’s treating psychologist, addressing his
response to therapy.
[14] Brown J affirmed the decision of Davis J that the respondent is a serious danger to
the community in the absence of a division 3 order. In concluding that the respondent
should continue to be subject to the continuing detention order, Brown J stated:
“[70] While Mr Musso’s counsel submits that it should not assumed
from his violation history in custody that he would not comply
with the requirements of the supervision order upon release, the
psychiatric evidence supports the fact that it is the most
probative evidence of how he would conduct himself upon
release. It is also evident that Mr Musso would still be subject
to considerable stressors upon his release, including a lack of
structure, as was set out in the affidavit material of QCS. There
is a reasonably high likelihood those stressors would trigger
non-compliance with the supervision order and similar conduct
to that seen in the last six months while in custody. The fact
non-compliance may result in his return to custody is not likely
to be a significant restraint on Mr Musso’s conduct, given that
he does not yet have insight into the detriment that his own
conduct causes him, despite his intellectual abilities. While the
possibility of Mr Musso wearing an ankle bracelet may reduce
the risk of him absconding, unless QCS or the police are on hand
if he becomes overwhelmed by his environment, angry or
threatened, given his lack of emotional self-regulation, there is
a high risk that, if the incident involves a woman, his response
will be sexually violent. On the present evidence it is unlikely
that Mr Musso would comply with reasonable directions given
to him. His risk of committing a further serious sexual offence
would only be reduced to moderate if the supervision order were
efficacious in containing his behaviour.
4 Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Musso [2019] QSC 310.
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[71] While a supervision order is not required to be watertight, it
must be efficacious in constraining a respondent’s behaviour by
sufficiently reducing the risks of the commission of serious
sexual offences to ensure the adequate protection of the
community. I am presently not satisfied that any supervision
order could be effective in doing so, given the matters outlined
above. I am not satisfied, given his violation history in custody
and his complex psychiatric conditions, that Mr Musso
presently could be reasonably and adequately managed by QCS
under the mandatory conditions provided under s 16 of the Act.
[72] While I do not consider that Mr Musso can reasonably and
practicably be managed by a supervision order at present, the
evidence suggests that if he continues to progress with Dr
Andrews, there is every reason to consider he will be able to
reach a level of emotional self-regulation so the risk of
reoffending can be reasonably and practicably managed under a
supervision order. It is evident that Mr Musso still requires
further individual therapy and a period of conduct without
threats or violence towards others before he can be reasonably
and practicably managed and the adequate protection of the
community can be ensured under a supervision order. This is
supported by his long-standing and complex psychiatric
problems, evidenced not only in Dr Harden and Dr Arthur’s
opinions but also in previous psychiatric and psychological
opinions which are referred to in the applicant’s submissions, as
well as his history of violations since the previous order.”
[15] On 20 August 2021, Wilson J decided a further application pursuant to s 27 of the
Act for a review of the continuing detention of the respondent. Dr Arthur and Dr
Harden prepared further reports for the purposes of that hearing. There was also
further evidence from Dr Andrews about the course of the respondent’s therapy.
[16] The psychiatrists continued to hold the view that the respondent’s risk of sexual
reoffending in the absence of a division 3 order was high and, having regard to that
evidence, Wilson J also affirmed the decision that the respondent is a serious danger
to the community in the absence of a division 3 order.
[17] However, both Dr Arthur and Dr Harden expressed the opinion that a supervision
order would provide for the adequate protection of the community. The psychiatrists
both identified the risk that the dramatic change from the low-stimulus environment
of the detention unit in which the respondent was then held in custody to release into
the community would cause the respondent to breach the conditions of a supervision
order by engaging in aggressive behaviours towards others and would be a challenge
for corrective services staff to manage in the community, particularly in relation to
self-harming behaviours.
[18] At the hearing before Wilson J, the Attorney-General accepted that the psychiatrists
did not regard the risk of ongoing self-harm on the respondent’s part if released into
the community as being connected to the risk of him committing a serious sexual
offence in the future. The review application was conducted on the basis that the risk
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of self-harm and the risk of serious sexual offending are separate and distinct and
require different management regimes.
[19] Ultimately, Wilson J accepted that there had been sufficient improvement in the area
of the respondent’s self-harming behaviours to make it appropriate for the respondent
to be released subject to the requirements of a supervision order for a period of 10
years. Throughout his period of release the respondent resided at the contingency
accommodation referred to as the Wacol precinct.
Contravention of the existing supervision order
[20] Patricia Dennis, an Acting Principal Adviser at the High-Risk Offender Management
Unit (“HROMU”) within Community Corrections, Queensland Corrective Services
(“QCS”) deposed to the following matters, based on records in the respondent’s file
held by QCS:
(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;
(b) t he 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 HROMU 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
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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;
(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.
[21] The written submissions for the Attorney-General identify three requirements of the
supervision order which the respondent is alleged to have contravened: condition 14,
which subjects the respondent to a curfew direction issued by QCS (such direction
having been given on 23 August 2021); condition 20, which restricts the respondent
to having only one mobile phone; and condition 40, which prohibits the respondent
from starting or showing violence or violent behaviour against anyone, except in self-
defence. The material read on the application, including the matters addressed in the
evidence of Ms Dennis, indicates that the respondent also contravened other
requirements of the order, namely conditions 22, 24 and 36.
[22] Ultimately, the precise identification of the requirements which the respondent has
contravened is of no moment for the purposes of the present application. That is
because the written outline of submissions filed on behalf of the respondent at the
hearing before me expressly accepted that the court should find contraventions of the
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existing supervision order proved to the required standard. That concession was
properly made in circumstances where the respondent pleaded guilty to, and was
convicted:
(a) on 4 March 2022, of six offences under s 43AA of the Act alleging
contraventions of the supervision order;
(b) on 20 May 2022, of a further four offences under s 43AA of the Act alleging
contraventions of the supervision order.
[23] In those circumstances, I am satisfied that the respondent has contravened a
requirement of the supervision order made on 20 August 2021. Accordingly, s 22 of
the Act is engaged. I turn then to the question whether the respondent has discharged
the onus upon him of demonstrating that, despite the contraventions, the existing
supervision order provides adequate protection to the community.
Events since return to custody
[24] As a consequence of the incidents on 21 and 24 January 2022, a warrant was issued
for the arrest of the respondent under s 20 of the Act and he was returned to custody
on 26 January 2022.
[25] The further reports prepared by Dr Arthur and Dr Timmins for the purposes of this
application refer to QCS records which describe a number of incidents after the
respondent’s return to custody:
(a) on 15 March 2022, the respondent self-harmed by swallowing parts of a
toothbrush and ballpoint pens. The respondent was transported to an external
medical facility;
(b) on 22 March 2022, the respondent self-harmed by biting an existing injury on
his right arm causing it to bleed. The respondent used the blood to write the
words “fuck you” on the observation window before he was de-escalated;
(c) on the same day there was a separate incident in which the respondent claimed
to have eaten parts of his toothbrush. He then covered the observation window.
He told QCS staff that he did this because he was bored and would like to go
to hospital. He threatened to place objects into his genitals in order to get what
he wanted but did not carry out those threats;
(d) on 27 March 2022, the respondent claimed he had swallowed pieces of his
toothbrush and had bitten his right arm causing it to bleed. He refused to
comply with an escort to the medical centre. He then covered the observation
window with a mattress and stated that he wished to go to hospital. He was
subsequently de-escalated;
(e) on 30 March 2022, the respondent claimed that he had passed the toothbrush
that he had swallowed three days earlier and swallowed it again. He had also
bitten his arm causing it to bleed. This behaviour was attributed to the
respondent’s wish to be transferred to hospital;
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(f) on 31 March 2022, the respondent placed a mattress up against the observation
window. He then threatened a QCS officer by saying words to the effect that
he would rape him if he saw the officer on the outside;
(g) on 31 March 2022, the respondent claimed to have been inserting a piece of
cardboard into his penis. He admitted this behaviour was directed towards his
wish to be transferred to hospital;
(h) on 13 May 2022, the respondent informed QCS staff that he was self-harming.
He had minor cuts to his arm and claimed he had swallowed a razorblade;
(i) on 5 June 2022, the respondent told QCS staff that he had swallowed five
crayons and a pen, and that he had used a different pen in an attempt to mutilate
his genitals;
(j) on 20 June 2022, the respondent informed QCS staff that he had used
razorblades to cut his arm and had swallowed two of them;
(k) on 23 June 2022, the respondent presented with cuts on his forearms and told
QCS staff that he had swallowed razorblades;
(l) on 30 June 2022, the respondent was admitted to the Princess Alexandra
Hospital Security Unit for self-harm. He claimed to have excreted a blade, cut
himself with it and swallowed it again. When staff intervened he became
elevated and force was required to restrain him. The respondent then began
covering the cell camera with a mattress and signed a self-discharge form.
Statutory scheme
[26] Section 13 of the Act is directed towards the making of orders to ensure the adequate
protection of the community against the risk that a prisoner will commit a serious
sexual offence. The term “serious sexual offence” is defined in Schedule 1 of the Act
to include an offence of a sexual nature involving violence.
[27] The jurisdiction to make orders is enlivened once “…the court is satisfied the prisoner
is a serious danger to the community in the absence of a division 3 order”: see s 13(1).
A prisoner will be characterised as a serious danger to the community “if there is an
unacceptable risk that the prisoner will commit a serious sexual offence: (a) if the
prisoner is released from custody; or (b) if the prisoner is released from custody
without a supervision order being made”: see s 13(2). Where, as here, such a finding
was made, the question then is whether a continuing detention order, or a supervision
order should be made: see s 13(5). Where a supervision order will ensure the adequate
protection of the community from the commission by a respondent of a “serious
sexual offence”, then the making of a supervision order ought to be preferred to the
making of a continuing detention order.5
[28] Section 22 of the Act concerns contraventions of a supervision order. As already
noted, where the contravention has been proved (as here), the section casts an onus
upon the respondent to prove that “… the adequate protection of the community can
… be ensured by a supervision order”. The term “the adequate protection of the
5 Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Francis [2007] 1 Qd R 396 at 405.
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community” as it appears in s 22 bears the same meaning as it bears in s 13 of the
Act.6
[29] The relevant “protection” is not protection from any offending, or indeed from any
sexual offending. The relevant “protection” is from the commission of a “serious
sexual offence”. In Turnbull v Attorney-General (Qld),7 Morrison JA (with whom
Philippides JA and Douglas J agreed) said:8
“[36] The consideration required under s 13(6)(b)(i) is whether
adequate protection of the community can be reasonably and
practicably managed by a supervision order. The risk which
leads to the need to protect the community is because, under s
13(1) and (2), there is an unacceptable risk that Mr Turnbull will
commit a serious sexual offence if released without such an
order. The means of providing the protection, and avoiding that
risk, is a supervision order. When a court is assessing whether
a supervision order can reasonably and practically manage the
adequate protection of the community, it is necessarily
assessing the protection the order can provide against that risk.
Before making the order the court has to reach a positive
conclusion that the supervision order will provide the adequate
protection.”
[30] Consequently, the question under s 22 is whether the respondent has satisfied the
court on the balance of probabilities that his release back into the community on a
supervision order provides “adequate protection of the community” in the sense that
he is an acceptable risk of not committing a serious sexual offence.
[31] Here, despite contravening the supervision order in the manner described above, the
respondent has not committed a sexual offence which would have constituted a
breach of the condition which appears in all supervision orders by force of s 16(1)(f)
of the Act. He has not committed a “serious sexual offence”, so the purpose of the
supervision order being to protect the community against the commission of such
offences, has been fulfilled to date.
[32] In Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Nemo,9 Davis J stated that, in
circumstances where s 22 requires consideration of whether the supervision order
reduces the risk of the commission of a serious sexual offence to an acceptable level,
the fact that there might be a likelihood of a breach of the supervision order is but one
fact to consider in that determination.10 Any risk of future breach of the supervision
order must be considered in the light of its relevance to the protection of the
community from the commission by the respondent of a “serious sexual offence”.11
Dr Timmins’ evidence
6 Kynuna v Attorney-General (Qld) [2016] QCA 172 at [60].
7 [2015] QCA 54.
8 Ibid at [36].
9 [2020] QSC 140.
10 Ibid at [22], citing Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Fardon [2018] QSC 193 at [60] and
[76] – [78].
11 Ibid at [26], citing Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Fardon [2018] QSC 193 at [76].
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[33] In her report prepared for the present application, Dr Timmins’ diagnosis of the
respondent remains the same as her report for the application heard by Davis J. That
diagnosis is of:
(a) a Mixed Personality Disorder with borderline, narcissistic and antisocial traits,
with the respondent’s PCL-R scoring also indicating the presence of
psychopathic traits;
(b) Polysubstance dependence, mainly alcohol and cannabis (in sustained
remission).
[34] Dr Timmins stated that she could find no evidence that the respondent has a deviant
sexual drive, but could not rule out that there could be some sexual deviance present,
such as rape fantasies.
[35] In her final opinion and recommendation, Dr Timmins stated that the respondent has
significant personality dysfunction as a result of his upbringing which is likely to
cause him issues with “emotional dysregulation, self-harm, vulnerability to perceived
rejection, difficulties with boundaries, following processes, rules and expectations, in
addition to dysfunctional relationships and ways of coping, all of which were seen in
the community and currently in the custodial environment.”
[36] Dr Timmins referred to the respondent having become involved with a previous
partner upon release into the community and having contacted a number of other
women, some who were sex workers. The respondent also appeared to have accessed
fetish websites. This information indicated to Dr Timmins that the respondent was
relatively sexually preoccupied in the time he was in the community. This was a
matter of concern to Dr Timmins.
[37] Dr Timmins noted some more positive aspects of the respondent’s time in the
community: that although he has a history of use of various substances from his early
teenage years, and apart from using Suboxone obtained dishonestly soon after release,
he did not return to illicit substance use; that he did not reoffend sexually, although
he threatened to rape others leading to his re-incarceration.
[38] Dr Timmins expressed her final opinion as follows:
“In summary, I am of the opinion that Mr Musso’s risk of sexual
reoffending is HIGH if released into the community without a
supervision order in place. He is at moderate to high risk of
reoffending violently and of returning to substance use on release
which will further elevate his risk. Any use of substances by Mr
Musso will increase the propensity to use violence, including
sexual violence, and thus would raise his risk of offending sexually
and violently.
Mr Musso’s victims are likely to be anyone with whom he has a
relationship with, either intimate or non-intimate and whom he
perceives has wronged him somehow. If this happens to be a
female, he could commit sexual violence in order to dominate,
control and possibly achieve some form of retribution towards the
victim. He possibly harbours some sexual deviance towards
women in the form of rape fantasies. There would be physical and
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psychological coercion involved in the offending and a high degree
of harm to the victim.
…
His deliberate self-harm behaviour is likely to be an ongoing issue.
There seems to be a management plan and Mr Musso is aware he
can call the ambulance to go the [sic] hospital. He does, however,
need to understand the limitations in what can be done by other
people and services.
Despite support Mr Musso is likely to struggle to comply with the
conditions of the order, either overtly contravening the order or
given his tendency to be deceptive, covertly contravening which
will inevitably be found out at some point.
His risk may be modified by a community supervision order under
the Dangerous Prisoner (Sex Offender) Act 2003. He spent six
months in the community and although there was harm to himself
and threats to harm others, there was no sexual offending and apart
from use of some illicitly obtained Suboxone early on, he has not
engaged in substance use. He would most likely fall into a
Moderate risk category with a Community Supervision order in
place. The Order will need to remain in place for at least 10 years.”
[39] In her oral evidence in chief, Dr Timmins stated that individuals with a psychopathic
personality tend to have a high risk of sexual reoffending in the community.12 The
respondent’s psychopathic traits, and the ongoing issues of deceptiveness,
manipulation and grandiosity resulting from those traits, make it difficult to manage
his risk of sexual reoffending.13
[40] On the subject of the respondent’s self-harm, Dr Timmins said that the respondent
might engage in that behaviour for different reasons. The first, arising from his
personality disorder, is an attempt to manage his emotional state. The second, arising
from his psychopathic traits, is the use of such behaviour to get his needs met.14
[41] Dr Timmins expressed the view that the respondent has the capacity to comply with
the requirements of the supervision order for short periods, but that he has periods
where his risk to himself and others, including sexual risk, escalates quite rapidly. Dr
Timmins also referred to other periods where the respondent covertly tests boundaries
and seeks to subvert the supervision order,15 which I understood to be an aspect of
his psychopathic traits.
[42] Dr Timmins then gave the following evidence:16
“What are we supposed to do with him? There is no evidence that he
will comply or has the ability to comply with a supervision order?---I
12 Transcript 1-17.
13 Transcript 1-18.
14 Transcript 1-18.
15 Transcript 1-20.
16 Transcript 1-22.
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think in some regards he will continue to be difficult to manage in the
community.
Yes?---I think this is related to his personality structure.
Yes?---And when someone has such a severe personality structure and
they’ve got psychopathy, unless they become aware of themselves and
how they do things to – you know, make their life the way it is and
start to take responsibility, then it’s not going to change. Someone
with psychopathy tends not to take responsibility for themselves. So
that’s a problem for Mr Musso. And I think he will just continue with
these sorts of rule violations. Testing boundaries. Trying to get his
needs met in very dysfunctional but risky ways. And it makes it very
difficult to manage him in anything other than a very contained
environment, because we are relying purely on the procedural
restrictions of the order because the person doesn’t actually take
responsibility and engage in what is necessary to assist themselves.
So it’s the procedural security of the order at this point in time. We
can’t look at internal change as supporting that ongoing
maturation?--- Yes. Until the maturation occurs, and that could be
maybe when he’s well into his 40s, maybe longer, we are going to rely
purely on the procedural restrictions of the order. Unless he goes,
‘Actually, I need to contribute. I need to start taking responsibility. I
need to manage myself just as much as other people need to.’”
[43] On the question of the threshold at which the respondent should, if released, be
regarded as having become an unmanageable risk in the community, Dr Timmins said
this:17
“If his Honour releases Mr Musso to the community, should it be a
high or a low bar to returning him to custody, and for what sort of
things?---I think that there needs to be a reasonably low bar. He’s
demonstrated in the period of time in the community that he can be
deceptive. That he doesn’t respect the boundaries. That he’s not really
going to engage in supervision. And those sorts of things are a
concern. When he escalates to overt threats and, you know, threats of
sexual violence, those kinds of things, then I think that needs – that the
bar needs to be enacted then.”
[44] In cross-examination, Dr Timmins confirmed that her opinion that a supervision order
would reduce the risk of the respondent sexually reoffending to a moderate level took
into account the factors she referred to in her evidence in chief. In particular, Dr
Timmins confirmed that while the evidence of Mr Tannock (referred to below) caused
her some disquiet, that was disquiet in relation to the respondent’s likely future
compliance with a supervision order, not disquiet as to the risk of sexual reoffending
while the respondent is on such an order.18
Dr Arthur’s evidence
17 Transcript 1-23.
18 Transcript 1-26.
-- 13 of 27 --
14
[45] In his most recent report, Dr Arthur’s diagnosis of the respondent also remained
unchanged from his previous reports. That diagnosis consists of:
(a) severe Mixed Cluster B Personality Disorder with antisocial, narcissistic and
borderline features;
(b) Substance Misuse Disorder, currently in remission in a controlled environment.
[46] Dr Arthur also considers it likely that the respondent suffers from chronic Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder arising from developmental trauma and that he fulfils the
criteria for a Psychopathic Personality.
[47] Dr Arthur noted that, during his time in the community, the respondent displayed
ample evidence of disturbed attachments and use of violent threats to establish
dominance over his environment and various people in it. He considered that the
respondent’s contraventions of the supervision order reflected his high levels of
impulsivity, lack of consequential thinking and poor emotional regulation. He
referred to the respondent reacting with extreme anger and threats of violence when
faced with perceived rejection or withdrawal of support. Dr Arthur described the
respondent as remaining highly motivated to seek out relationships which caused Dr
Arthur to suspect the respondent has a high level of ongoing sexual preoccupation.
For those reasons, Dr Arthur concluded that the respondent’s unmodified risk of
sexual recidivism remains high.
[48] As to that nature of that risk, Dr Arthur stated:
“Were prisoner Musso to reoffend, it would most likely be in the
context of an intimate relationship, although potential victims might
include other women within his sphere of influence. Triggered by
conflict or perceived/actual rejection, he is likely to become
emotionally aroused and aggressive. If the conflict has sexual
undertones, he may become sexually violent as a way of re-
establishing his control over the victim or as a form of punishment.
Another trigger may be experiencing conflicting emotions about a
woman, particularly if there is ambiguity in the relationship. If his
sexual advances are not reciprocated, he may react violently out of
shame or anger. It is difficult to predict the imminence of such
violence on release but a return to substance abuse or evidence of
heightened conflict within relationships would increase this risk
significantly.”
[49] On the question of the effectiveness of a supervision order, Dr Arthur said as follows:
“Despite the contraventions of his supervision order, prisoner
Musso did not sexually reoffend whilst in the community, although
I acknowledge that he was given little opportunity to do so. I
believe that the supervision order acted to identify high risk factors
and behaviours in a timely manner and allowed Community
Corrections to respond quickly to manage his risk.
To his credit, whilst prisoner Musso did engage in verbally
aggressive and threatening behaviours, this did not translate into
any physical aggression or assaults.
-- 14 of 27 --
15
It is disappointing but not entirely unexpected that he has returned
to his previous suite of maladaptive behaviours in custody,
although as far as I can tell this has not resulted in any further
offences of violence and continues to consist largely of
instrumental deliberate self-harm.
Whilst prisoner Musso’s personality pathology is still much in
evidence, there is some indication of a slow improvement in his
levels of self-regulation and attitudes.
I believe that with the strict application of the current supervision
order, his risk of sexual recidivism would be reduced to ‘below
average’, or low- moderate, predominantly via the mechanism of
ensuring abstinence from drugs of abuse and limiting victim
access.”
[50] Dr Arthur also referred to QCS’ limited capacity to facilitate the respondent’s
engagement with Community Mental Health Services and expressed concern that the
respondent was not provided with any assertive psychiatric management while he was
in the community. Dr Arthur agreed with the opinion of Dr Andrews, the
respondent’s treating psychologist, about the need for not only psychiatric oversight
of the respondent’s medication regime, but also the provision of a treating psychiatrist
as an alternative to him seeking out hospital admissions via confrontational deliberate
self-harm.
[51] In his oral evidence in chief, Dr Arthur stated that it is the procedural security offered
by a supervision order that reduces the respondent’s risk of sexual reoffending from
high to below average. He went on to accept the proposition that if the supervision
order fails, the risk of sexual reoffending returns to a high level and is unacceptable.19
[52] On the question whether the respondent has the capacity to comply with the
requirements of his supervision order, Dr Arthur said as follows:
“Does Mr Musso have the capacity to comply with the requirements
of his supervision order? --- I think that he – he does. I think that – I
think, as Dr Timmins pointed out, in times of high emotional arousal
or in times of high distress or when his personality disordered coping
strategies are active he may not, and what we see – and that’s what we
see in people with severe personality disorders. Once their ability to
rationalise and deal with things in an emotionally – I won’t say neutral
manner, but in a manner allowing them to think about, ‘What am I
doing? What are the consequences? What are the outcomes? Do I
want those outcomes?’ When people become overwhelmed with
emotion they stop doing that, and so then they go, you can say, on
autopilot or they regress to their basic coping strategies, which in the
case of Mr Musso tend to be acting out behaviours, self-harm,
threatening behaviour aggressive or just plain ‘do what I want’
behaviour. So most of the time, if he can be emotionally contained
and – he can comply. But in those cases where emotional containment
fails, then I think he does lose that capacity for consequential thinking
and self-regulation and then he probably doesn’t have the capacity.”
19 Transcript 1-30.
-- 15 of 27 --
16
[53] Dr Arthur was also asked for his opinion as to the threshold or bar past which QCS
should consider a return to custody:
“And emotional regulation. What sort of low bar and what sort of
behaviours should provoke QCS to consider a return to
custody?---Look, I think we have to consider this from both the
psychopathy side and the personality disorder side.
Yes?---So the personality disorder side is that when Prisoner Musso
becomes upset, he becomes dysregulated, his behaviour deteriorates.
That – that’s hard to control initially, because that’s not something he
necessarily has control over. From the psychopathic side, he does
have control over these things. He has choices that he makes in order
to get an outcome. So I think that we need to set the bar low for those
behaviours that are primarily related to his psychopathic personality,
and they would be things like threatening, making threats towards
other people, certainly acts of violence. So sometimes Prisoner
Musso’s self-harm has been – he self-harms when he seeks help, other
times it’s been challenging or confrontational in that he self-harms in
a way that distresses other people, and I think that that’s part of the
reason he does it is in order to generate distress in others. So that type
of self-harm, that’s – that should not be tolerated and I think violence
should not be tolerated and I think that the rejection of supervision
that’s been outlined, the deceptive behaviours and, you know, the
undermining behaviours or the subversive behaviours shouldn’t be
tolerated, I think, because once he engages in that behaviour, that’s
very much his psychopathic personality attempting to manipulate and
control the environment, and I think that that means that he’s – if you
want to use the term – he’s going underground. He is not – he’s not
being honest with people, he’s not telling them what his motivations
or his intentions are, and that means that QCS then can’t monitor what
he’s doing and why he’s doing it. So I think there are indicators and
there should be a low bar for those behaviours. I think the deliberate
self-harm will continue and I don’t think that QCS should be sending
him back to custody for deliberate self-harm, as - - -
Well, that’s more off to hospital?---That’s – that’s right, and as Dr –
as Dr Timmins pointed out, there’s a management plan in place. He
is able to seek help, he is able to seek appropriate help for his – you
know, for that problem, and as long as he continues to do that, I think
that’s not a reason for sending him back to custody, but definitely an
escalation in violence, and in situations like when he – before he was
returned to custody, angry, threatening, threatening harm to others,
threatening harm to himself, absconding from the precinct, all of those
things are dangerous.
Yes?---And all of those things – not – and not just about his emotional
dysregulation, but also about his manipulative behaviour.”
[54] In cross-examination, Dr Arthur stated that the risk of the respondent contravening
the supervision order is high. He did not accept the proposition that his assessment
of the risk of sexual reoffending under a supervision order, namely that a supervision
order would reduce the risk of the respondent returning to serious sexual offending
-- 16 of 27 --
17
was below average or low moderate, had regard to that risk of the respondent not
complying with the supervision order. To the contrary, Dr Arthur’s evidence was
that his assessment of the risk of a return to serious sexual reoffending under the
supervision order assumed that the respondent would comply with the order. He went
on to explain that his assessment of the risk under the supervision order was based on
an assumption that QCS is able to prevent the respondent using illicit drugs and
minimise his access to potential victims.
[55] Dr Arthur’s report includes a summary of relevant matters conveyed by the
respondent during his interview for the purposes of Dr Arthur’s most recent
assessment. In the course of that interview, the respondent expressed disappointment
about the lack of support he received from Community Mental Health Services
following his release under the supervision order. The respondent was aware that the
HROMU had attempted to facilitate referrals to the Community Mental Health
Services on a number of occasions but the service had consistently refused to accept
him as a client. The respondent had expected that Community Mental Health Services
would have been part of his treatment on his release from custody and was angered
by their rejection of him.
[56] The importance the respondent places on access to Community Mental Health
Services was also evident in responses he provided to Dr Arthur about his future
plans. When he was asked what would be different if he was returned to the Wacol
precinct under supervision the respondent stated that he is a lot more receptive to help
and can sometimes take responsibility, but that he needs the assistance of the mental
health services. When he was asked how he felt he would cope with returning to the
Wacol precinct, the respondent said he would be fine with it as long as he receives
help with his mental health and acknowledged that he is a danger if he is not
medicated or in therapy. The respondent claimed to be motivated to remain in the
community, in part due to his disappointment with the medical and psychiatric
treatment he had received following his return to custody in January 2022.
Mr Tannock’s evidence
[57] The Attorney-General also led evidence at the hearing from Bruce Tannock, the
Manager of Operations at the HROMU with QCS. In that position, Mr Tannock’s
role is to manage the South East Queensland district office for the HROMU which is
responsible for the management of offenders released to supervision orders under the
Act. This involves managing a team of staff and supervisors and working with field
staff in connection with the management of individuals subject to such orders. Mr
Tannock had direct oversight of management of the respondent in the period from his
release to supervision in August 2021 to his subsequent arrest and return to custody
in January 2022.
[58] In his affidavit, Mr Tannock gave evidence of the restrictions imposed on the
respondent during his release including the stage 1 curfew which the respondent was
required to comply with during the entire period of his release. This is a 24-hour
curfew which confines the person subject to supervision to their premises with passes
being given for access to essential services. Mr Tannock noted that, despite the
restrictive nature of the supervision order and the stage 1 curfew, the respondent was
still able to contravene the requirements of the order in the manner set out in [20]
above.
-- 17 of 27 --
18
[59] Mr Tannock also referred to the limits of the management and supervisory capacity
of the HROMU and particularly noted that, unlike the position in a custodial setting,
QCS community staff do not have the training or powers of control and restraint that
might be required in the event the respondent’s behaviour escalates.
[60] In his oral evidence in chief, Mr Tannock gave evidence that the respondent breached
the conditions of his supervision order regularly and with covert subversion of the
supervision strategies employed by the HROMU. He referred to limitations on the
effectiveness of supervision. Despite restrictive management during his entire period
of release on supervision, including electronic monitoring and curfew restrictions to
control his movement within the community, the respondent demonstrated systematic
regular attempts to circumvent supervision, to be deceptive and, ultimately, engaged
in behaviours that indicated increased risks that were difficult for HROMU to
manage.20
[61] Mr Tannock stated that the HROMU attempted to work with the respondent during
the initial phase of his release and engaged with Dr Andrews in relation to safety
planning and strategies to assist with his reintegration into the community. He said
that despite ongoing patterns of contravening behaviour HROMU continued to try
and work with the respondent to curb those behaviours through strategies such as
issuing notices of contravention.21
[62] These efforts did not lead the respondent to alter his contravening behaviour. As a
result, the HROMU progressed through a series of escalating measures from issuing
notices of contravention, followed by administrative sanctions, followed by charges
under s 43AA of the Act, followed by the issue of the warrant for the respondent’s
arrest under s 20 of the Act and the commencement of the present application.22
[63] Mr Tannock’s evidence was that when the respondent was first found to be in
possession of numerous technological devices which he was using to communicate,
search pornography, access social media and communicate with women he might
have been in relationships with, the HROMU had the devices seized by the QPS and
the respondent was charged by the QPS for contravention of the supervision order
under s 43AA of the Act. Mr Tannock explained that HROMU seeks the assistance
of the QPS to lay charges under s 43AA for those matters which are not technical
breaches of the supervision order, in that they raise concerns around elevation in risk,
but are not at the level that the HROMU considers there is an imminent or an
unmanageable risk.23
[64] Again, this did not dissuade the respondent. Soon after the devices were seized the
respondent obtained further devices to continue the same behaviour. This was
followed by the escalating contraventions in January 2022 which involved the
HROMU’s staff dealing with direct threats to them, threats by the respondent to slit
his throat in front of them, the respondent breaching curfew by walking off the Wacol
precinct and ignoring directions to return. Mr Tannock described this as plain
disregard for any of the levers available to the HROMU in managing risk to the
20 Transcript 1-4 to 1-5.
21 Transcript 1-5.
22 Transcript 1-5 to 1-6.
23 Transcript 1-6.
-- 18 of 27 --
19
community. It was these escalating contraventions which ultimately resulted in the
respondent’s return to custody under a s 20 warrant.24
[65] Mr Tannock gave evidence as to the type of factors that would arise upon any
consideration about the respondent’s progression from a stage 1 curfew to stage 2 and
beyond if he is to be released, explaining that this would require not only that the
respondent comply with the conditions of his supervision order but that he
demonstrate a willingness to want to work with the HROMU towards reintegration
into the community and an understanding of how to self-manage the risks leading to
the potential commission of a serious sexual offence.25
[66] Ultimately, Mr Tannock expressed two concerns as to whether supervision by the
HROMU can reasonably and practicably manage the risk of the respondent sexually
reoffending. The first was a concern for the safety and well-being of the HROMU’s
staff as a consequence of exposure to behaviours such as the escalated contraventions
on 21 and 24 January 2022. The second was that the respondent’s demonstrated
subversive behaviour in obtaining technological devices or using illicit substances,
irrespective of sanctions that are put in place by the HROMU, and the time that
behaviour might go unchecked raises concern as to whether supervision can
reasonably and practicably manage the risk that the respondent will sexually reoffend.
As to this second concern, Mr Tannock went on to explain that rejection of
supervision which is very calculated and behaviours that are manipulative and
directed to undermining supervision become problematic for the HROMU because
that form of rejection of supervision raises unknown risks which are very difficult for
the HROMU to identify, monitor and control.26
[67] In cross-examination, Mr Tannock accepted that the respondent’s contraventions of
the supervision order were detected within a period of weeks or months.27 He also
indicated that, if the respondent were to be released to supervision on this application,
a failure to comply with the requirements of the supervision order would result in a
more rapid escalation through the levels of sanction than occurred during his earlier
release. That is, based on the HROMU’s experience during the respondent’s earlier
release, Mr Tannock would have a lower threshold in future for contraventions which
bear upon the ongoing management of the risk of the respondent returning to serious
sexual offending. In short, if the respondent engages in a similar type of deception
and attempted subversion of the supervision order or engages in threatening or
intimidating behaviour in future he would be likely to be returned to custody more
quickly.28
The parties’ respective positions
[68] In this case, the Attorney-General has applied in the alternative for:
(a) the recission of the existing supervision order and an order that the respondent
be detained in custody for an indefinite term for care, control or treatment; or
24 Transcript 1-6.
25 Transcript 1-8 to 1-9.
26 Transcript 1-10 to 1-11.
27 Transcript 1-13.
28 Transcript 1-13 to 1-14.
-- 19 of 27 --
20
(b) an order that the respondent be released subject to such amended requirements
of the existing supervision order pursuant to s 22(7) of the Act as the court
considers appropriate.
[69] The amendment proposed by the Attorney-General, following the evidence given by
Dr Timmins, involved the inclusion of an express prohibition of threats or
intimidation in condition 40 of the existing supervision order. During the course of
the hearing, Mr Wilson, who appeared for the respondent, confirmed that the
respondent would agree to that amendment in the event he is to be released. A draft
of the amended supervision order was provided.
[70] The Attorney-General’s written outline of submissions states that while the
application in the alternative is maintained, it is acknowledged that the evidence of
Dr Arthur and Dr Timmins supports a finding that the adequate protection of the
community can be ensured by the respondent’s release from custody on the amended
supervision order.
[71] However, Mr Tate, who appeared for the Attorney-General, went on to say in his oral
submissions that findings that the adequate protection of the community cannot be
reasonably and practicably managed by a supervision order, or that the requirements
under s 16 of the Act cannot be reasonably and practicably managed by QCS, are
open on the evidence.
[72] The respondent did not dispute that his personality disorder means there is a risk that
he will contravene the requirements of a supervision order if he is released into the
community again. However, the respondent’s ultimate submission was that the
relevant test involved only the question whether there is an unacceptable risk that he
will return to serious sexual offending if he is released on an amended supervision
order. Mr Wilson submitted that the evidence was all one way on that question, to
the effect that the specific risk of serious sexual offending would not be unacceptable
if the respondent was supervised in the community and, therefore, that the adequate
protection of the community can be ensured by an amended supervision order.
What order should be made?
[73] Having regard to the statutory scheme discussed in [26] to [32] above, I accept that
the respondent’s submission correctly states the ultimate question.
[74] The respondent accepted that, in addressing that question, I am compelled to consider
the anterior questions whether the adequate protection of the community can be
reasonably and practicably managed by a supervision order, and whether the
requirements under s 16 of the Act can be reasonably and practicably managed by
QCS. However, as I understood the argument, Mr Wilson submitted that evidence
about the risk of the respondent failing to comply with the amended supervision order
if he is released and the concern expressed by Mr Tannock about the limits of the
management and supervisory capacity of the HROMU under an amended supervision
order should not alter the conclusion submitted for in [72] above.
[75] Where, as discussed above at [28] above, the term “the adequate protection of the
community” as it appears in s 22 bears the same meaning as it bears in s 13 of the
Act, the assessment to be made under s 22 of the Act requires the same consideration
whether adequate protection of the community can be reasonably and practicably
-- 20 of 27 --
21
managed by a supervision order as was described in Turnbull v Attorney-General
(Qld).29 That is, in order to be satisfied to the required standard that, despite the
respondent’s contraventions, the adequate protection of the community can be
ensured by the amended supervision order, I must reach a positive conclusion that the
amended supervision order will provide the adequate protection.
[76] The psychiatric evidence I have referred to above emphasises the importance of
ensuring the respondent’s abstinence from illicit drug use and limiting his access to
victims in reducing the risk that he will return to serious sexual offending. I therefore
regard the risk that the respondent will contravene the amended supervision order in
a similar manner in the future, by engaging in illicit drug use or by using deception
to obtain technological devices for the purpose of contacting and forming
relationships with women or accessing fetish websites, or by threatening violence to
others, as relevant to the protection of the community from the commission by the
respondent of a “serious sexual offence”.
[77] Telling against a conclusion that the amended supervision order will provide the
adequate protection is the evidence of the psychiatrists concerning the limits on the
respondent’s capacity to comply with the amended supervision order and the
likelihood that he will continue to contravene in similar ways in the future, as well as
the evidence of Mr Tannock concerning the limits of the management and supervisory
capacity of the HROMU and the effect the respondent’s rejection of supervision is
likely to have in raising unknown risks which are very difficult for the HROMU to
identify, monitor and control.
[78] In favour of the respondent’s submission is the evidence that the supervision order
operated as it was intended to during the respondent’s prior release in that the
HROMU was able to detect the respondent’s contraventions and take appropriate
action to manage the risk so that, notwithstanding his repeated contravention of the
supervision order, the respondent did not sexually reoffend. The heightened focus of
the HROMU on the respondent’s compliance in future and the lower tolerance for
any contravention which raises the risk of sexual reoffending is also significant.
[79] Weighing these competing factors, I find on the balance of probabilities that the
amended supervision order will enable the HROMU to prevent the respondent using
illicit drugs and minimise his access to potential victims so as to reduce the risk of
the respondent returning to serious sexual reoffending to the levels set out in the
reports of Dr Timmins and Dr Arthur. That is to say, I have reached the positive
conclusion that the amended supervision order will provide the adequate protection
of the community. I make this finding on the basis that the HROMU will act upon
any future contravention which raises the risk of sexual reoffending in the manner
described by Mr Tannock in his evidence.
[80] It follows that the respondent has satisfied me, on the balance of probabilities, that
the adequate protection of the community can, despite the contravention of the
existing order, be ensured by the amended supervision order.
[81] It is important that the respondent recognise the limits of the support he will be
provided upon his release under the amended supervision order, particularly in the
area of his mental health treatment.
29 [2015] QCA 54 at [36].
-- 21 of 27 --
22
[82] I referred above to the respondent’s previous reaction to the refusal of Community
Mental Health Services to accept him as a client. Both Dr Timmins and Dr Arthur
noted that the respondent would benefit from psychiatric treatment, in addition to
continuing his therapeutic relationship with Dr Andrews. Dr Andrews expressed a
similar view. I accept that evidence and encourage both the HROMU and Community
Mental Health Services to seek to facilitate such treatment.
[83] Having said that, it is apparent from the material that the HROMU previously sought
to facilitate the respondent’s referral to Community Mental Health Services but that
the admission requirements of that service did not permit the acceptance of the
respondent as a client. It may be that nothing said by this court or the HROMU in
future can alter that position. The respondent should be prepared for that outcome.
Conclusion
[84] For the reasons set out above, I am satisfied that the adequate protection of the
community can, despite the contraventions of the existing supervision order, be
ensured by that existing order, as amended in the form set out in the Schedule.
[85] I order that:
(a) the supervision order made by Wilson J on 20 August 2021 be amended in the
form set out in the Schedule to these reasons; and
(b) the respondent be released from custody subject to the requirements of that
amended supervision order until 23 August 2031.
-- 22 of 27 --
23
SCHEDULE
The court orders that Filippo James Musso be released from prison and must follow
the rules in this supervision order for 10 years, until 23 August 2031.
To Filippo James Musso:
[1] You are being released from prison but only if you obey the rules in this supervision
order.
[2] If you break any of the rules in this supervision order, the police or Queensland
Corrective Services have the power to arrest you. Then the court might order that
you go back to prison.
[3] You must obey these rules for the next 10 years.
Reporting
[4] On the day you are released from prison, you must report before 4 pm to a corrective
services officer at the Community Corrections office closest to where you will live.
You must tell the corrective services officer your name and the address where you
will live.
[5] A corrective services officer will tell you the times and dates when you must report
to them. You must report to them at the times they tell you to report. A corrective
services officer might visit you at your home. You must let the corrective services
officer come into your house.
To “report” means to visit a corrective services officer and talk to them face to face.
Supervision
[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.
-- 23 of 27 --
24
[7] You must answer and tell the truth if a corrective services officer asks you about
where you are, what you have been doing or what you are planning to do, and who
you are spending time with.
[8] If you change your name, where you live or any employment, you must tell a
corrective services officer at least two business days before the change will happen.
A “business day” is a week day (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday) that is not a public holiday.
No offences
[9] You must not break the law by committing a sexual offence.
[10] You must not break the law by committing an indictable offence.
Where you must live
[11] You must live at a place approved by a corrective services officer. You must obey
any rules that are made about people who live there.
[12] You must not live at another place. If you want to live at another place, you must tell
a corrective services officer the address of the place you want to live. The corrective
services officer will decide if you are allowed to live at that place. You are allowed
to change the place you live only when you get written permission from a corrective
services officer to live at another place.
This also means you must get written permission from a corrective service officer
before you are allowed to stay overnight, or for a few days, or for a few weeks, at
another place.
[13] You must not leave Queensland. If you want to leave Queensland, you must ask for
written permission from a corrective services officer. You are allowed to leave
Queensland only after you get written permission from a corrective services officer.
Curfew direction
[14] A corrective services officer has power to tell you to stay at a place (for example, the
place you live) at particular times. This is called a curfew direction. You must obey
a curfew direction.
Monitoring direction
[15] A corrective services officer has power to tell you to:
(a) wear a device that tracks your location; and
(b) let them install a device or equipment at the place you live. This will monitor
if you are there.
This is called a monitoring direction. You must obey a monitoring direction.
Employment or study
-- 24 of 27 --
25
[16] You must get written permission from a corrective services officer before you are
allowed to start a job, start studying or start volunteer work.
[17] When you ask for permission, you must tell the corrective services officer these
things:
(a) what the job is;
(b) who you will work for;
(c) what hours you will work each day;
(d) the place or places where you will work; and
(e) (if it is study) where you want to study and what you want to study.
[18] If a corrective services officer tells you to stop working or studying you must obey
what they tell you.
Motor vehicles
[19] You must tell a corrective services officer the details (make, model, colour and
registration number) about any vehicle you own, borrow or hire. You must tell the
corrective services officer these details immediately (on the same day) you get the
vehicle.
A vehicle includes a car, motorbike, ute or truck.
Mobile phone
[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.
[21] You must give a corrective services officer all passwords and passcodes for any
mobile phone you own or have. You must let a corrective services officer look at the
phone and everything on the phone.
Computers and internet
[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.
[23] You must give a corrective services officer any password or other access code you
know for the computer, phone or other device. You must do this within 24 hours of
when you start using the computer, phone or other device. You must let a corrective
services officer look at the computer, phone or other device and everything on it.
[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.
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No contact with any victim
[25] You must not contact or try to contact any victim(s) of a sexual offence committed
by you. You must not ask someone else to do this for you.
“Contact” means any type of communication, including things like talking, texting,
sending letters or emails, posting pictures or chatting. You must not do any of these
things in person, by telephone, computer, social media or in any other way.
Rules about alcohol and drugs
[26] You are not allowed to take (for example, drink, swallow, eat, inject, or sniff) any
alcohol. You are also not allowed to have with you or be in control of any alcohol.
[27] You are not allowed to take (for example, swallow, eat, inject, smoke or sniff) any
illegal drugs. You are also not allowed to have with you or be in control of any illegal
drugs.
[28] A corrective services officer has the power to tell you to take a drug test or alcohol
test. You must take the drug test or alcohol test when they tell you to. You must give
them some of your breath or pee (urine) when they tell you to do this.
[29] You are not allowed to visit any business that is licensed to supply or serve alcohol.
If you want to go to one of these places, you must first get written permission from a
corrective services officer. If you do not get written permission, you are not allowed
to go.
Rules about medicine
[30] You must tell a corrective services officer about any medicine that a doctor prescribes
(tells you to buy). You must also tell a corrective services officer about any over the
counter medicine that you buy or have with you. You must do this within 24 hours
of seeing the doctor or buying the medicine.
[31] You must take prescribed medicine only as directed by a doctor. You must not take
any medicine (other than over the counter medicine) which has not been prescribed
for you by a doctor.
Rules about rehabilitation and counselling
[32] You must obey any direction a corrective services officer gives you about seeing a
doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or other counsellor.
[33] You must obey any direction a corrective services officer gives you about
participating in any treatment or rehabilitation program.
[34] You must let corrective services officers get information about you from any
treatment or from any rehabilitation program.
Speaking to corrective services about what you plan to do
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[35] You must talk to a corrective services officer about what you plan to do each week.
A corrective services officer will tell you how and when to do this (for example, face
to face or in writing).
[36] You must also tell a corrective services officer the name of new persons you associate
with.
“Associate with” includes: spend time with, make friends with, see or speak to
(including by using social media or the internet) regularly.
[37] You may need to tell new contacts about your supervision order and offending
history. The corrective services officer will instruct you to tell those persons and the
corrective services officer may speak to them to make sure you have given them all
the information.
[38] You must develop a management plan with your psychologist or psychiatrist to
address any risk of sexual re-offence. You must talk about this with a corrective
services officer when asked.
[39] You must tell your case manager of any personal relationships you have started.
[40] You are not allowed to threaten, intimidate or start or show violent behaviour against
anyone, except in self-defence.
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Official source: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/QSC/2022/184