Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Jarratt [2021] QSC 105
SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND
CITATION: Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Jarratt
[2021] QSC 105
PARTIES: ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR THE STATE OF
QUEENSLAND
(applicant)
v
ALLAN TERRY JARRATT aka O’BRIEN
(respondent)
FILE NO/S: BS No 6491 of 2012
DIVISION: Trial Division
PROCEEDING: Application
ORIGINATING
COURT:
Supreme Court of Queensland at Brisbane
DELIVERED ON: Orders made on 12 April 2021, delivered on 28 May 2021
DELIVERED AT: Brisbane
HEARING DATE: 12 April 2021
JUDGE: Davis J
ORDER: Pursuant to s 22(2) of the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual
Offenders) Act 2003, the respondent be released from
custody at 9.00 am on 13 April 2021 and continues to be
subject to the supervision order made by Justice Ryan on
18 November 2019.
CATCHWORDS: CRIMINAL LAW – SENTENCE – SENTENCING
ORDERS – ORDERS AND DECLARATIONS RELATING
TO SERIOUS OR VIOLENT OFFENDERS OR
DANGEROUS SEXUAL OFFENDERS – DANGEROUS
SEXUAL OFFENDER – GENERALLY – where a
supervision order was made on 18 November 2019 with
respect to the respondent under Division 3 of Part 2 of the
Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld) (the
Act) – where the respondent allegedly contravened conditions
of the supervision order by failing to comply with the
directions and ingesting cannabis - where the respondent was
arrested pursuant to a warrant issued under s 20 of the Act –
where the applicant sought orders under s 22 of the Act -
where the respondent admitted the contraventions - whether
the release of the respondent back on the supervision order
ensured the adequate protection of the community
Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003, s 2, s 3,
s 5, s 13, s 14, s 15, s 16, s 20, s 22
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Attorney-General (Qld) v Fardon [2013] QCA 64, followed
Attorney-General v Francis [2007] 1 Qd R 396, followed
Attorney-General v Lawrence [2010] 1 Qd R 505, followed
Attorney-General (Qld) v Yeo [2008] QCA 115, followed
Kynuna v Attorney-General (Qld) [2016] QCA 172 , cited
LAB v Attorney-General [2011] QCA 230, followed
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Ellis [2012]
QCA 182, followed
R v O’Brien [2008] QCA 163, related
Turnbull v Attorney-General (Qld) [2015] QCA 54, cited
COUNSEL: M Maloney for the applicant
E Whitton for the respondent
SOLICITORS: GR Cooper, Crown Solicitor for the applicant
Legal Aid Queensland for the respondent
[1] Allan Terry Jarratt, previously known as Allan Terry O’Brien, has been the subject
of orders under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (the DPSOA)
since 18 November 2019 when he was placed on a supervision order by Ryan J.
Breaches of the supervision order were alleged against him.
[2] On 21 April 2021, I made the following order:
“Pursuant to s 22(2) of the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders)
Act 2003, the respondent be released from custody at 9.00 am on 13
April 2021 and continues to be subject to the supervision order
made by Justice Ryan on 18 November 2019.”
[3] These are my reasons for making that order.
History
[4] The respondent was born on 11 March 1966 and is now 56 years of age.
[5] Mr Jarratt has a criminal history commencing in June 1986. Between 1986 and
1998, he was convicted on numerous occasions of various offences generally
involving dishonesty and drugs.
[6] On 3 November 1998, he was convicted of unlawful assault which was his first
conviction for a violent offence. He has convictions for various offences of
violence thereafter.
[7] On 13 May 2007, he was convicted of the offence of rape which occurred on
6 August 1999. Mr Jarratt broke into a house in the early hours of the morning
armed with a knife. He grabbed the complainant by the throat choking her before
punching her in the eye and beginning to choke her again. He then anally raped the
complainant before demanding that she perform oral sex upon him during the
course of which he ejaculated. During a prolonged attack, Mr Jarratt anally raped
the complainant a total of five times.
[8] Mr Jarratt was sentenced to an effective head sentence of 14 years imprisonment.
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[9] Although Mr Jarratt pleaded guilty to the offences, he sought to appeal. That appeal
was dismissed on 20 June 2008.1
[10] It was that offending which founded the Attorney-General’s application under the
DPSOA.
[11] On 18 November 2019, Mr Jarratt was released on a supervision by order made by
Ryan J under the provisions of the DPSOA.
[12] Conditions of the supervision order included:
“(6) Must obey any reasonable direction that a corrective services
officer gives you about:
o Where you are allowed to live; and
o Rehabilitation, care or treatment program; and
o Using drugs and alcohol; and
o Anything else, except for instructions that mean you
will break the rules in this supervision order.
(23.) You are not allowed to take (for example, drink, swallow, eat,
inject or sniff) any illegal drugs. You are also not allowed to
have with you or be in control of any illegal drugs”
[13] The particulars of the alleged contravention of conditions 6 and 23 are given in the
application filed by the Attorney-General seeking orders under s 22 of the DPSOA:
“On 20 November 2020, the respondent was issued with a direction
as per requirement (6) of his supervision order that he must ‘seek
prior approval for any persons to visit or attend your place of
residence, from an authorised Corrective Services officer’. The
respondent refused to sign the direction.
On 10 December 2020 and 13 December 2020, QCS Surveillance
Officers observed unapproved visitors at the respondent’s residence.
On 15 December 2020, the respondent made admissions to having
unapproved visitors at his residence; including his partner and
various other family members. The respondent was temporarily
relocated to the Townsville Contingency Precinct until his partner
and family had sourced alternate accommodation. On 17 December
2020, the respondent returned to his residence.
On 30 December 2020, QCS Surveillance Officers observed the
respondent’s partner enter his residence. A QCS officer made
contact with the respondent and advised that his partner was
required to leave his residence immediately. Subsequently, a home
visit was conducted by QCS Surveillance Officers to ensure his
partner had left the residence. During this home visit, the
respondent made threats to punch his supervising officer in the face.
1 R v O’Brien [2008] QCA 163.
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On 05 January 2021, a mobile telephone examination was
conducted on the respondent’s mobile phone which revealed
pornography in his internet search history with titles largely
surrounding anal sex. The mobile telephone examination was
ceased due to the respondent’s hostility and threats to leave the
interview room.
On 08 January 2021, a mobile telephone examination was
conducted which revealed text messages to his partner and son
stating ‘coast is clear’ and mentioned a Kia parked across the road.
This is the type of car utilised by QCS Surveillance Officers. Text
messages were observed sent from the respondent to his partner on
31 December 2020 which included ‘Fuck face’, ‘leave me alone
from now on you motherfucker dog fuck you ya piece of shit. Go
suck someone else’s cock cunt face’.
On 8 January 2021 and 11 January 2021, the respondent was
directed by QCS staff to provide a sample of urine as per
requirement (24) of his supervision order, which states that he must,
‘take the drug test or alcohol test when a QCS officer tells you to.
You must give them some of your breath, spit (saliva), pee (urine)
or blood when they tell you to do this.’
Prior to testing, the respondent did not disclose having consumed
any illicit drugs that would return a positive result. A screening test
undertaken on the respondent’s urine returned a presumptive
positive reading for Cannabis. The sample was then sealed and sent
to Sullivan Nicolaides Pty Ltd for confirmation testing.
On 09 January 2021, the respondent was issued with a direction as
per requirement (6) of his supervision order, that he must return to
the Townsville Contingency Precinct due to suspicion that his
partner was at his residence. The respondent refused to comply with
this direction.
During an interview with QCS Officers on 11 January 2021, the
respondent again refused to return to the Townsville Contingency
Precinct, stating ‘I’ll go do something stupid to put myself back in
jail’. The respondent then made threats towards police stating he
would ‘knock them flat’.
A mobile telephone examination was subsequently conducted which
revealed Google My Activity showing that the respondent had
searched Google Maps on 07 January 2021 at approximately
11.02am for ‘Townsville Nursing Home’ and ‘Dan Murphy’s
Townsville’. The examination revealed that the respondent had
deleted all text messages with his partner.”
[14] A warrant was issued for the arrest of Mr Jarratt pursuant to s 20 of the DPSOA,
alleging the contravention of the supervision order. After Mr Jarratt’s arrest, he
came before Williams J on 13 January 2021 and was ordered to be detained until
finalisation of the proceedings under s 22 of the DPSOA.
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Statutory context
[15] The DPSOA provides for the continued detention or supervised release of “a
particular class of prisoner”.2 That class of prisoner are those serving a term of
imprisonment for a “serious sexual offence”3 which is “an offence of a sexual
nature … involving violence” or “an offence of a sexual nature … against a child”.4
Upon application by the Attorney-General, the court may make either a continuing
detention order5 or a supervision order.6 A continuing detention order requires the
detention in custody of the prisoner beyond the date of expiry of the sentence then
being served. A supervision order provides for the release of the prisoner under
supervision notwithstanding the expiry of the sentence.
[16] A pivotal provision of the DPSOA is s 13. It has significance to the present
application as the provisions which deal with breach of supervision orders7 adopt
terms and concepts included in s 13. It provides:
“13 Division 3 orders
(1) This section applies if, on the hearing of an application
for a division 3 order, the court is satisfied the prisoner
is a serious danger to the community in the absence of a
division 3 order (a serious danger to the community).
(2) A prisoner is a serious danger to the community as
mentioned in subsection (1) 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.
(3) On hearing the application, the court may decide that it
is satisfied as required under subsection (1) only if it is
satisfied—
(a) by acceptable, cogent evidence; and
(b) to a high degree of probability;
that the evidence is of sufficient weight to justify the
decision.
(4) In deciding whether a prisoner is a serious danger to the
community as mentioned in subsection (1), the court
must have regard to the following—
(aa) any report produced under section 8A;
2 Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003, s 3.
3 Section 5(6).
4 Section 2 and the Schedule (Dictionary).
5 Sections 13, 14 and 15.
6 Sections 13, 15 and 16.
7 Primarily see s 22.
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(a) the reports prepared by the psychiatrists under
section 11 and the extent to which the prisoner
cooperated in the examinations by the
psychiatrists;
(b) any other medical, psychiatric, psychological or
other assessment relating to the prisoner;
(c) information indicating whether or not there is a
propensity on the part of the prisoner to commit
serious sexual offences in the future;
(d) whether or not there is any pattern of offending
behaviour on the part of the prisoner;
(e) efforts by the prisoner to address the cause or
causes of the prisoner’s offending behaviour,
including whether the prisoner participated in
rehabilitation programs;
(f) whether or not the prisoner’s participation in
rehabilitation programs has had a positive effect
on the prisoner;
(g) the prisoner’s antecedents and criminal history;
(h) the risk that the prisoner will commit another
serious sexual offence if released into the
community;
(i) the need to protect members of the community
from that risk;
(j) any other relevant matter.
(5) If the court is satisfied as required under subsection (1),
the court may order—
(a) that the prisoner be detained in custody for an
indefinite term for control, care or treatment
(continuing detention order); or
(b) that the prisoner be released from custody subject
to the requirements it considers appropriate that
are stated in the order (supervision order).
(6) In deciding whether to make an order under subsection
(5)(a) or (b)—
(a) the paramount consideration is to be the need to
ensure adequate protection of the community; and
(b) the court must consider whether—
(i) adequate protection of the community can
be reasonably and practicably managed by a
supervision order; and
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(ii) requirements under section 16 can be
reasonably and practicably managed by
corrective services officers.
(7) The Attorney-General has the onus of proving that a
prisoner is a serious danger to the community as
mentioned in subsection (1).”
[17] Therefore:
(a) the test under s 13 is whether the prisoner is “a serious danger to the
community”;8
(b) that initial question is answered by determining whether there is an
“unacceptable risk that the prisoner will commit a serious sexual offence”9 if
no order is made;
(c) if that conclusion is reached, then a supervision order (as opposed to a
continuing detention order) can only be made where the adequate protection
of the community can be ensured by the making of a supervision order;10
(d) where “adequate protection of the community” can be ensured by a
supervision order, then the making of a supervision order ought to be
preferred to the making of a continuing detention order.11
[18] If the supervision order is contravened, a prisoner may be arrested pursuant to a
warrant issued pursuant to s 20. The court’s jurisdiction to make further orders is
conferred by s 22 which provides:
“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
8 Section 13(1).
9 Section 13(1) and (2).
10 Section 13(6).
11 Attorney-General v Francis [2007] 1 Qd R 396 at [39]; Attorney-General (Qld) v Yeo [2008] QCA
115; Attorney-General v Lawrence [2010] 1 Qd R 505; LAB v Attorney-General [2011] QCA 230;
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Ellis [2012] QCA 182; Attorney-General (Qld) v
Fardon [2013] QCA 64.
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(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.
(3) For the purpose of deciding whether to make a
continuing detention order as mentioned in subsection
(2)(a), the court may do any or all of the following—
(a) act on any evidence before it or that was before
the court when the existing order was made;
(b) make any order necessary to enable evidence of a
kind mentioned in section 13(4) to be brought
before it, including, for example, an order—
(i) in the nature of a risk assessment order,
subject to the restriction under section 8(2);
or
(ii) for the revision of a report about the
released prisoner produced under section
8A;
(c) consider any further report or revised report in the
nature of a report of a type mentioned in section
8A.
(4) To remove any doubt, it is declared that the court need
not make an order in the nature of a risk assessment
order if the court is satisfied that the evidence otherwise
available under subsection (3) is sufficient to make a
decision under subsection (2)(a).
(5) If the court makes an order in the nature of a risk
assessment order, the psychiatrist or each psychiatrist
examining the released prisoner must prepare a report
about the released prisoner and, for that purpose, section
11 applies.
(6) For applying section 11 to the preparation of the
report—
(a) section 11(2) applies with the necessary changes;
and
(b) section 11(3) only applies to the extent that a
report or information mentioned in the subsection
has not previously been given to the psychiatrist.
(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—
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(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).”
[19] By s 22 once a contravention is proved the court must rescind the supervision order
and make a continuing detention order12 unless the prisoner satisfies the court that
his continuation on supervision in the community will ensure the adequate
protection of the community.13 It is well-established that the concept of “the
adequate protection of the community” as appears in s 22(7) has the same meaning
as it bears in s 13.14 Consequently, it is upon the prisoner to prove that the
supervision order will ensure adequate protection of the community by removing
any unacceptable risk that he will commit a serious sexual offence. If the prisoner
fails to prove that fact then he must be detained under a continuing detention order.
Expert opinion on risk
[20] For the purposes of the current application, Mr Jarratt was interviewed by
psychiatrists Dr Ken Arthur and Dr Josephine Sundin. Mr Robert Walkley is a
forensic psychologist engaged by the High Risk Offender Management Unit of
Queensland Corrective Services to provide an evaluation of Mr Jarratt, to develop a
treatment program, to provide individual counselling and treatment and to provide
progress reports on that treatment. On the present application there were reports
before me from Drs Arthur and Sundin and Mr Walkley.
[21] Dr Arthur’s diagnosis is as follows:
“His primary diagnosis remains an Antisocial Personality Disorder
with prominent narcissistic features. He has a Substance Misuse
Disorder, currently in remission in a controlled environment. Whilst
there is no clear evidence of a Paraphilia, his apparent preference
for anal sex and the Google Map search for Townsville nursing
homes is concerning given the nature of his index sexual offence.”
[22] Dr Sundin’s diagnoses is:
“64. Mr Jarratt meets DSM V criteria for Anti-social Personality
Disorder and Alcohol Use disorder-in sustained remission. He
12 Section 22(2).
13 Section 22(7).
14 Kynuna v Attorney-General (Qld) [2016] QCA 172 at [60]; see also Turnbull v Attorney-General
(Qld) [2015] QCA 54 at [36].
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has elevated psychopathy scores but does not meet full criteria
to attract the label of Psychopath.
65. He has the co-morbid medical diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus
and requires both insulin and oral hypoglycemics to maintain
his blood sugars. He suffers hypertension and has elevated
cholesterol levels. He is at elevated medical risk for adverse
cardio-vascular events.”
[23] Mr Walkley has, clearly enough, encountered some difficulties in treating
Mr Jarratt. However, Mr Walkley is positive in relation to the prospects of future
management. Mr Walkley opined:
“CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Alan Terry Jarratt is a 57 year old man who was released from
Prison having served a 14 year term of imprisonment for offences of
Rape, Housebreaking and Burglary. Mr Jarratt has always
maintained an inability to recall his behaviour in this offence.
It is noted, after his conviction he engaged in a process seeking
leave to appeal as he questioned the validity of his conviction.
Presently he accepts his guilt, accepts the incontrovertible evidence
of the DNA and accepts he did what he did although, at all times,
provides the codicil he doesn’t recall what he did.
A review of Mr Jarratt’s upbringing revealed he was exposed to
alcohol abuse in both his parents but it does not appear he was
ensconced within an inherently violent domestic relationship. For
the most part he was of sober habits until about the age of 19.
Prior to his present offences he had a significant criminal history
comprised of many court appearances (56) and with many periods
of incarceration of up to about 18 months in jail.
My formulation of the man was in accord with the three psychiatric
opinions reviewed, that he demonstrated an Antisocial Personality
Disorder (ASPD) was some psychopathic characteristics and
Alcohol Use Disorder which is in remission due to his being in a
controlled environment.
As is typical in those with ASPD, he is a man with a strong anti-
authority attitude and distrustful of those with power over him. He
does not respect rules or regulations and will often look for ways to
circumvent imposed controls.
Over the time spent with Mr Jarratt, I formed the view he continues
to represent a Low to Moderate risk of sexual recidivism mitigated
by factors including:
his age,
ongoing community supervision and case management,
ongoing psychological treatment,
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the provisions of his Supervision Order under the DPSO act,
maintaining a stable living environment,
a stable financial situation and
the avoidance of substances, particularly alcohol.
He is a man of average intellect.
Over time he does seem to have developed symptoms of a
depressive illness reactive to his present circumstances, to his
interactions with the Department and in the development of the
relationship he is seeking to have with [redacted]. These include
moroseness, loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep disturbance and
increased emotional instability.
With regards your specific queries raised of:
Detail of any treatment gains;
Your opinion regarding the current contravention; and
Your assessment of his current risk of sexually re-offending.
From a treatment point of view, up until this juncture, treatment of
Mr Jarratt seemed to be going well. Rapport was well-established,
he seemed genuinely engaged and he had indicated sessions were
both supportive and informative. He had achieved some of the goals
set, had formulated and achieved others and until this issue with
[redacted], had been doing quite well.
Trust was being established and built upon and he, at times, was
willing to discuss aspects of his past offending and sexuality. Given
his innate distrust of those in authority which includes a therapist
appointed by the Department, it was hopeful that, over time, this
could be overcome and more disclosures would result. If so, a better
understanding would be gained of his offence, his offending
pathway and mitigants to recidivism.
In my Initial Report, I made the comment given his antisocial
personality and innate approach towards authority, rules and
convention, over time, he might present difficulties. As was
indicated and posited from his history, his response to supervision
has previously resulted in a poor performance. In the past, he had
been non-compliant and un-engaged in meeting his responsibilities
and that this may, in fact, re-emerge as a problem. As it has on this
occasion.
Aside from this impasse concerning [redacted] from a therapeutic
perspective, treatments using cognitive behavioural therapy,
psycho-education and insight-directed therapy, seemed to be having
an increasing impact with Mr Jarratt.
I remain of the view given his Antisocial Personality Disorder, that
a more generalist approach involving supportive counselling, non-
judgemental opportunities for expression and the provision of
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alternate views of his situation and what strategies he could employ
to deal with conflicts or problems, may prove to be the most
effective means of interaction and to ensure compliance with his
Order.
With regards his risk of sexual reoffending, I note the three
psychiatric opinions and in particular, those of Drs Sundin, Arthur
and Harden.15 All opined his risk to be Moderate and exacerbated
by the presence of alcohol but which could be likely mitigated by
community supervision.
I would certainly concur but suggest presently given the issues
surrounding compliance and his relationship with [redacted] without
him being in custody, the risk would be higher. His present level of
anger, resentment and belief the system is not and cannot work in
his favor, could precipitate a relapse in his abstinence from alcohol.
Given either his inability to recollect or choosing not to disclose the
nature of his last offence and that it was committed whilst heavily
under the influence of alcohol, this leaves us entirely uninformed,
on that factor which, in tum, inevitably increases the level of risk
posed.
In terms of the present contravention and return-to-custody, as far as
I understand it, this emanated from a failure on his part to be
compliant with both the verbiage of his Supervision Order as well
as directions given by his case management team.
It seems he chose to circumvent these directions by refusing to
comply and this raised concerns in terms of risk. Furthermore, his
past previous domestic violence history involving [redacted] despite
being many years ago - remained an ongoing concern given some of
the texts which were seen emanating from Mr Jarratt to [redacted]
as well as the level of rancour, anger, disrespect and aggression that
had been evident in his presentation to QCS staff.
It is likely Mr Jarratt believed he did not present a risk to his
previous partner and they, as mature adults, cognisant of all of their
own history, were capable of making a decision as to whether-or-
not they would proceed with their relationship. His view was
strongly held this was a decision for them and them alone and the
Department had no business intruding in this and he appeared
intractable in this point of view.
Given his personality and attitude towards authority, it is also likely
he believed if he persevered and did so with an overly assertive and
at times, aggressive posture, that somehow the system would abide
by his wishes and he’d achieve his goals.
From a psychological perspective - allowing for such a flagrant
disregard of both the law as embodied by the Order and the
authority embodied by case management directions - would
15 Who had given earlier opinions.
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reinforce his unacceptable approach and in all likelihood, lead to
further difficulties moving forward.
From a treatment perspective, of course, a return-to-custody is a
major setback given the likelihood he will forfeit his own residence,
the independence he had worked towards and the gains he had
made. This could, in fact, exacerbate his approach to compliance on
his Order.
However with a longer-term view, if it does engender within him a
recognition the system, the law and the Order under which he is
managed does take precedent over his wishes and desires, then
future management may prove to be easier.”
[24] Dr Arthur considered that Mr Jarratt’s unmodified risk of sexual recidivism on
release is moderate but a supervision order would reduce the risk to low. In
particular, Dr Arthur opined:
“I believe that the supervision order was effective in identifying and
managing known risk factors, monitoring his emotional state and
allowing Corrections staff to act in a timely manner to contain the
risk.”
[25] Dr Arthur did not recommend any amendments to the conditions or duration of the
order.
[26] Dr Sundin assessed risk as follows:
“81. To sum up, I consider that Mr Jarratt now represents a
moderate to low risk for future sexual violence. The
supervision order further lowers his risk to the general
community.
82. I respectfully recommend that Mr Jarratt be returned to the
community under the existing supervision order, that he be
allowed to co-habit with FM once she has obtained a residence
for them and for Mr Jarratt to resume regular sessions with
Dr Walkley. If it is at all possible I would suggest that he be
assigned a male case manager.
83. I do not recommend an extension of the existing supervision
order.”
Submissions of the parties.
[27] Mr Jarratt admits the breaches. He submits that he has discharged the onus under
s 22(7).
[28] In particular, in his counsel’s written submissions:
“8. Two aspects of Dr Sundin’s opinion warrant further
consideration. Dr Sundin opines that:
a. While I appreciate the concerns of case managers
with regard to the relationship with FM given
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Mr Jarratt’s past history of domestic violence; it
seems unhelpful to me for this relationship to be
opposed. I think Mr Jarratt would make better
progress if this relationship continued and case
managers worked with Mr Jarratt and FM on the
quality of their relationship. The couple could
attend joint sessions with Dr Walkley and could
do relationship counselling and communication
skills development through Relationships
Australia.
b. I respectfully recommend that Mr Jarratt be
returned to the community under the existing
supervision order, that he be allowed to co-habit
with FM once she has obtained a residence for
them, and for Mr Jarratt to resume regular
sessions with Dr Walkley. If it is at all possible I
would suggest that he be assigned a male case
manager. (emphasis added)
9. It is accepted that this Court has no power to dictate the way
that the Respondent is managed in the community, or the
treatment regime which is provided. Notwithstanding this,
given the context which surrounds the contravention, these
recommendations would seem particularly relevant to the
effective management and treatment of the Respondent in the
community.”
[29] The Attorney-General accepts that Mr Jarratt has discharged the onus upon him
under s 22(7) of the DPSOA.
Conclusions
[30] I find that Mr Jarratt has breached the supervision order as alleged.
[31] I accept the evidence of the psychiatrists and Mr Walkley and conclude that
Mr Jarratt has proved “that the adequate protection of the community can, despite
the contravention … of the existing order, be ensured by a supervision order”.16
That being so, release on supervision ought to be preferred to the making of a
continuing detention order.17
[32] In so concluding, I have taken into account particularly, the following:
1. While there have been difficulties in the relationship between Mr Jarratt and
his partner, there has been no violence.
2. Mr Jarratt has not, while on supervision, committed any offences of a sexual
nature let alone a serious sexual offence as defined by the DPSOA.
3. Mr Jarratt is making some guarded progress through his treatment with
Mr Walkley.
16 Section 22(7).
17 Attorney-General (Qld) v Francis [2007] 1 Qd R 396 at [39].
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4. Both psychiatrists, who are very experienced in the assessment of risk of
sexual offenders reoffending, place that risk at low if Mr Jarratt is subject to a
supervision order.
[33] While it is not for the court to direct how Mr Jarratt ought be supervised, it is
important that those supervising him consider the psychiatric evidence available
here, relevantly the views expressed by Dr Sundin.18
[34] For those reasons, I made the orders which I did.
18 See paragraph [28] of these reasons.
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Official source: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/QSC/2021/105