Attorney-General (Qld) v Jackway [2020] QSC 377
SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND
CITATION: Attorney-General (Qld) v Jackway [2020] QSC 377
PARTIES: ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR THE STATE OF
QUEENSLAND
(applicant)
v
DOUGLAS BRIAN JACKWAY
(respondent)
FILE NO/S: BS 7422 of 2011
DIVISION: Trial Division
PROCEEDING: Application
ORIGINATING
COURT:
Supreme Court at Brisbane
DELIVERED ON: 15 December 2020
DELIVERED AT: Brisbane
HEARING DATE: 26 October 2020
JUDGE: Brown J
ORDER: The Court affirms the decision of O’Brien AJ made on 28
February 2012 that the respondent, Douglas Brian
Jackway is a serious danger to the community in the
absence of an order pursuant to Division 3, Part 2 of the
Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 and
orders that:
1. Pursuant to s 30(3)(b) of the Act, the respondent,
Douglas Brian Jackway be released from custody and
from that time be subject to the requirements contained
in the draft Supervision Order for a period of 15 years.
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 is
detained under a continuing detention order for 7 years under
the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld) –
where applicant applied for the order to be reaffirmed under s
30 of the Act – where respondent’s treating forensic
psychologist opines respondent is demonstrating positive
behaviour – where reporting psychiatrists both opined that if
respondent were released on supervision order there would be
moderate risk of reoffending – where potential for escalation
to high risk of reoffending if respondent took illicit substances
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COUNSEL:
SOLICITORS:
or experienced stressors – whether respondent serious danger
to community in absence of Division 3 order – whether
adequate protection of community can be reasonably and
practically managed by supervision order – whether s 16
requirements can be reasonably and practically managed by
corrective services officers
Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld), s
16, s 27, s 29, s 30, s 33
Attorney-General (Qld) v Beattie [2007] QCA 96, considered
Attorney-General (Qld) v DBJ [2017] QSC 302, considered
Attorney-General (Qld) v Fardon [2011] QCA 111,
considered
Attorney-General (Qld) v Francis [2007] 1 Qd R 396; [2006]
QCA 324, considered
Attorney-General (Qld) v Jackway [2015] QSC 26, cited
Attorney-General (Qld) v Jackway [2016] QSC 74, cited
Attorney-General (Qld) v Jackway [2017] QSC 67, cited
Attorney-General (Qld) v Jackway [2018] QSC 137, cited
Attorney-General (Qld) v Jackway [2019] QSC 261, cited
Attorney-General (Qld) v Lawrence [2010] 1 Qd R 505;
[2009] QCA 136, cited
Attorney-General (Qld) v S [2015] QSC 157, considered
J Rolls for the applicant
S Lewis with C Smith for the respondent
Crown Law for the applicant
Legal Aid Queensland for the respondent
[1] This is an application pursuant to s 27 of the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders)
Act 2003 (Qld) (the Act)1 for review of the continuing detention of Douglas Brian
Jackway, the respondent.2 The applicant seeks to have a decision of O’Brien AJ made
on 28 February 2012, that Mr Jackway, the respondent presents a serious danger to
the community in the absence of an Order under Division 3 of the Act, affirmed and
further that the respondent continue to be subject to a continuing detention order
pursuant to s 30(3)(a) of the Act.
[2] This is the seventh annual review of the continuing detention order.
[3] There is no contest by Mr Jackway that there is acceptable cogent evidence which
supports a finding that the respondent is a serious danger to the community in the
absence of a Division 3 order under the Act and that the decision of O’Brien AJ of 28
February 2012 ought to be affirmed. That concession is a proper one on the basis of
the evidence before the court.
[4] The respondent is a man of 44 years of age. He has a history of substance and alcohol
abuse.
1 References to the “DPSOA” also refer to the Act.
2 This judgment refers to Mr Jackway and the respondent interchangeably.
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[5] The real dispute is as to what, if any, is the appropriate order to be made by the Court
in terms of a continuing detention order or a supervision order. The applicant contends
that Mr Jackway should continue to be subject to a continuing detention order
whereas Mr Jackway’s counsel contends that he should be released from custody
under the proposed supervision order (Supervision Order). The onus is on the
applicant in that regard.
Criminal History
[6] Mr Jackway has a significant criminal history. In terms of the present review
however, the relevant offences are one of rape that he committed against a female
child in 1991 when Mr Jackway was 14 years old and a series of offences against a
male child committed in 1995 when Mr Jackway was 18 years old. Mr Jackway has
not committed a further sexual offence since 1995.
[7] While both offences are obviously serious and relevant to the assessment of risk. The
offences in relation to the 1995 matter were assault occasioning bodily harm; taking
a child under 16 for immoral purposes with a circumstance of aggravation; three
counts of indecent dealing with a child under 12; and two counts of attempted carnal
knowledge by anal intercourse of a child under 12.
[8] The circumstances of the 1995 offending were that Mr Jackway had had a falling out
with family members and had taken off in a vehicle. He went nightclubbing and the
next day took Rohypnol and Xanax tablets and drank alcohol in the company of a
man he had met the night before prior to the offending. He was later driving in a
highly intoxicated state from alcohol and drug use when he saw three boys. He
approached the young boys who were riding bicycles under the guise of asking for
directions. After punching one boy, Mr Jackway manhandled another into his vehicle
and drove a short distance before his vehicle collided with a bridge. He took the boy
into the mangroves. He then stripped the boy, assaulted him, threatened him, and
performed sexual acts upon him including anally raping him. He threatened the boy
with physical violence. He had been observed by a witness taking the boy who
contacted the police. The police found Mr Jackway when it appeared that he was
about to engage in anal intercourse. He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment
and not released until 2003.
[9] After being released in relation to the 1995 offences, he then returned to prison on
remand in January 2004, for stealing a motor vehicle. He had also committed the
offences of dangerous operation of a vehicle whilst adversely affected, stealing, and
wilful damage. He was sentenced for those offences at the same time he was dealt
with for the 1991 rape of a young girl related to him when she was nine or ten years
of age, and he was fourteen. In 2005 he received a total term of imprisonment of seven
years.
[10] Mr Jackway has been in prison for his entire adult life, except for three or four months.
He has spent some 25 years in total in prison. For over seven and a half years he has
been subject to a continuing detention order under the Act.
History of reviews
[11] In the review of December 2013, Daubney J noted:
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“I cannot avoid giving heed to the concern expressed by both
psychiatrists that a relapse by the respondent into drug and alcohol use
will catapult into a high risk of sexual offence category. Despite the
obvious and welcomed improvements in his situation since the time
he was made subject to a Continuing Detention Order, I am not
satisfied that he is yet at the stage where he is sufficiently able to
manage the risk of exposure to drugs and alcohol and otherwise
manage his violent behaviour.
That necessarily leads to my conclusion that he is not at the stage
where I can be satisfied that, if released under a supervision order,
adequate protection of the community could reasonably and
practicably be managed by a supervision order. If released on a
supervision order, he is not in custody. I am not satisfied that he yet
has the personal skills to ensure ongoing abstinence from drugs and
alcohol, which as I have already noted on several occasions, present
on the common evidence as the trigger for him presenting a high risk
of sexual offence.”
[12] In a review on 9 February 2015,3 Mullins J was not satisfied by the psychiatric
evidence that adequate protection of the community could be reasonably and
practicably managed by a supervision order. Her Honour noted, in particular, that Mr
Jackway had not completed the Pathways course that was recommended when he was
previously before the court although his behaviour in prison in the preceding 12
months was also a relevant and different factor than his behaviour in the period
leading up to the hearing before Daubney J. In that regard and while her Honour noted
that Mr Jackway had been subject to various stressors in that 12 months and
particularly had been wrongly accused by another offender of murder, her Honour
stated that:4
“The fact that he has behaved with aggression and impulsivity in the
prison environment, because of stressors for whatever reason, I
consider is a relevant factual matter to take into account in assessing
the risks of re-offending outside the prison environment, if Mr
Jackway were released on a supervision order.”
[13] Holmes CJ reviewed the matter in 2016. By that stage Mr Jackway had completed the
Pathways program, however a number of incidents had occurred during 2016 while
in prison. In particular, her Honour concluded that having taken into account that Mr
Jackway’s last sexual offence was 20 years ago:5
“[21] The question is whether a supervision order can effect adequate
protection of the community against the risk which the
psychiatrists identify. I cannot be satisfied that it would, in light
of Mr Jackway’s inability to control his impulsive behaviours,
even when it was so clearly in his interest to do so. It should be
said that he has demonstrated considerable motivation to
cooperate by undertaking appropriate courses and receiving
assistance from Mr Smith; but he has not, to date, been able to
3 Attorney-General (Qld) v Jackway [2015] QSC 26.
4 [2015] QSC 26 at [26].
5 Attorney-General (Qld) v Jackway [2016] QSC 74.
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consistently put what he has learned into practice. His
acceptance of a ‘shot’ while still on the Pathways programme
illustrates the gap between his ability to recognise strategies he
should use in dealing with situations of risk and his ability to
apply them. One could almost suspect that the events of
February were a form of self-sabotage; but whatever the reason
for Mr Jackway’s behaviour then, it augurs very badly for the
prospects of a supervision order’s being effective. As Dr Grant
said, such orders can work well, but not when the individual
concerned does not have the capacity to control his impulses.
[22] The statute does not mandate an absolute guarantee of
protection, of course, but in light of Mr Jackway’s recent
history, one could have no confidence that he would not give
way to irrational and impulsive behaviour, resulting in
absconding and/or drug or alcohol use, with the outcome being
further sexual offending. That could occur quite quickly and
without sufficient warning to prevent it, notwithstanding the
constraints of a supervision order.
[23] That is not to say that Mr Jackway might not in the future be
able to demonstrate a level of stability which could give greater
confidence about his ability to comply with a supervision order.
Certainly his involvement with Mr Smith appears to have been
beneficial and I would recommend that Corrective Services
both ensure that he has regular sessions with Mr Smith (ideally,
fortnightly) and give Mr Smith access to Mr Jackway’s conduct
records, so that he has a full appreciation of what he is dealing
with. Mr Jackway should also be given the opportunity, if he
wishes, to try a course of anti-depressants, which might have a
stabilising effect. But for the present, I am not satisfied that
adequate protection of the community can be reasonably and
practicably managed by a supervision order.
[24] Accordingly, I affirm the decision of Acting Justice O’Brien
made on 28 February 2012 that Mr Jackway is a serious danger
to the community in the absence of a Division 3 Order and I
order that Mr Jackway continue to be subject to the continuing”
detention order made by Acting Justice O’Brien.” (footnotes
omitted)
[14] In 2017, I affirmed the decision that the respondent is a serious danger to the
community in the absence of a Division 3 Order and ordered that he continue to be
subject to a continuing detention order. In my reasons I stated that:6
“[74] While I accept the evidence of both Dr Aboud and Dr Grant, Dr
Grant has the advantage of having had the opportunity to
observe the respondent over a period of time. In real terms
however their evidence was relevantly not significantly
different. Both had a level of concern that the respondent would
not comply with a supervision order and a serious offence might
6 [2017] QSC 67 at [74] – [77], [80] and [83].
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be committed before his non-compliance was detected. Dr
Aboud considers that the respondent’s behaviour could spiral
very quickly into reoffending, if he engages in substances abuse,
without the supervision order being sufficient to constrain him.
Dr Grant agreed that the respondent’s behaviour could spiral out
of control quickly and could occur in a number of days although
he thought it more likely it would occur in weeks. The
impulsivity of his actions would depend upon the extent to
which he was spiralling out of emotional control. Both Dr
Aboud and Dr Grant considered that the respondent needed to
demonstrate that he could control his impulsivity and his
response to the emotional stressors for 12 months while in
custody, in order for Mr Jackway to be successfully managed in
the community.
[75] While Dr Aboud considered it would be ideal if the respondent
could spend time in a residential unit in order to see how he is
coping with the everyday stresses, Dr Grant didn’t appear to
consider it was a necessary precondition to be satisfied he could
cope with the various stressors he may be exposed to, given the
various threats which the respondent faces, even though he
agreed it was a more realistic environment.
[76] I accept that the detention is not an environment which
necessarily provides a sound indicator of how the respondent is
able to manage his anti-social behaviour, impulsivity and
emotional instability, given it is a very regimented environment.
I consider in the present context, the more important factor in
terms of whether adequate protection of the community can be
reasonably and practicably managed by a supervision order is
whether in such an environment the respondent is able to
conduct himself in a way which consistently implements the
strategies he has been developing to control his antisocial
behaviour and impulsivity. While the number of his violations
have reduced, the fact he still succumbed to the offer to take
drugs and still responded with threats of violence when
threatened and more particularly threatened to smash his cell
when placed in a unit he did not want to be in, indicate he is
unable to exercise control over his behaviour on a consistent
basis.
[77] The view of Dr Grant that a period of 12 months where the
respondent successfully indicates he can control his anti-social
and impulsive responses before one could be confident that the
respondent could be adequately managed under supervision
order is supported by the view of Dr Aboud. Good functioning,
both interpersonal functioning and institutional functioning and
work functioning, would demonstrate that he has a level of
control and management of his own impulses such that one
could then be satisfied that he could be adequately managed
under a supervision order. I accept the force of that view…
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[80] On the basis of the evidence presently before me I am satisfied
that the applicant has shown that adequate protection of the
community cannot be reasonably and practicably managed by a
supervision order. I consider that the respondent’s personality
disorder has not yet settled with maturation to the point where
the protection of the community from the risk that the
respondent will commit a serious sexual offence is adequately
ensured by the terms of a supervision order, albeit that its terms
are comprehensive. This is particularly so given the
respondent’s impulsivity and his vulnerability to alcohol and
drug abuse. His vulnerability to drug use and his impulsivity is
demonstrated by the fact he took ice in September 2016,
notwithstanding the court in March 2016 found in his previous
review that the taking of drugs at the end of the Pathways
Programme augurs very badly for the prospects of a supervision
order being effective…
[83] That is not to say that this will be the case in the future given
Mr Jackway’s present trajectory if he continues to engage in
therapy and to develop mechanisms to manage his personality
traits, impulsivity and vulnerability to alcohol and drug abuse.”
(footnotes omitted)
[15] Crow J reviewed the matter again in April 2018.7 The case was reopened in June 2018
after Mr Jackway had tested positive to a synthetic opioid which meant that he was
no longer in a position to oppose a continuing detention order. His Honour noted that
the psychiatric evidence supported the fact that Mr Jackway was progressing but
considered that if he was able to undergo 12 months of good and controlled
behaviours then that would demonstrate that he might be able to be released subject
to a supervision order. His Honour concluded that, on the basis of the evidence before
him, he was not satisfied that the respondent with his anti-social personality had
demonstrated a reasonable ability to control himself and that the adequate protection
of the community could be reasonably and practicably managed by a supervision
order.
[16] Lyons J reviewed the matter in 2019.8 There had been five aggressive incidents
involving the respondent up until March 2019. After the matter had been listed for
hearing, Mr Jackway returned a positive test for buprenorphine on 3 July 2019, which
he admitted to Dr Aboud in part he had done to sabotage his release, particularly out
of fear of the media attention and concern about being housed in the precinct. It was
subsequently ascertained that he had also engaged in an aggressive incident with a
general practitioner on 13 June 2019. Her Honour concluded that:9
“[123] The expert evidence of Drs Aboud and Timmins, which I
accept, does not support release under a supervision order at this
point in time. Having considered all the current evidence, I
cannot positively conclude that a supervision order will provide
adequate protection to the community.
7 [2018] QSC 137.
8 [2019] QSC 261.
9 [2019] QSC 261 at [123]–[124].
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[124] On the basis of the evidence presented before me and in
particular the lack of evidence sufficient to show that the
respondent, with his anti-social personality disorder, has
demonstrated a reasonable ability to control himself, I am
satisfied that the applicant has shown that the adequate
protection of the community cannot be reasonably and
practically managed by a supervision order. Whilst I accept the
respondent’s personality disorder is settling with maturation,
treatment and medication, it is not yet settled to the point where
the protection of the community from the risk the respondent
will commit a serious sexual offence is adequately ensured by
the terms of the supervision order.”
Legal Framework
[17] The submissions of the respondent’s counsel adopted the summary of the law in the
applicant’s submission at [10] – [31].
[18] The application for review is governed by s 30 of the Act. It provides inter alia that
the court may affirm the decision that a prisoner is a serious danger to the community
in the absence of a Division 3 Order only if it is satisfied by acceptable cogent
evidence and to a high degree of probability that the evidence is of sufficient weight
to affirm the decision.
[19] In relation to such a review, arrangements generally must be made for the respondent
to be examined by two psychiatrists.10 Reports have been provided by Dr Timmins
and Dr Aboud for the present review. Both have examined Mr Jackway before.
[20] Relevantly the definition of “serious danger to the community” requires that there
must be an unacceptable risk that the prisoner will commit a serious sexual offence11
in the absence of a Division 3 order. The relevant risk is not the risk of any offence
but the risk of the commission of a “serious sexual offence”.
[21] The term “unacceptable risk” is incapable of precise definition but requires the
striking of a balance of competing considerations. The relevant risk is not any risk.
The risk means the possibility, chance or likelihood of commission of such an
offence. An unacceptable risk is a risk which does not ensure adequate protection of
the community. In Attorney-General (Qld) v DBJ,12 Bowskill J stated that:
“[13] In considering whether a risk is unacceptable it is necessary to
take into account, and balance, the nature of the risk and the
degree of likelihood of it eventuating, with the seriousness of
the consequences if the risk eventuates. In this regard, in a case
in which the focus was upon the degree of likelihood, Keane JA
said in Attorney-General (Qld) v Beattie [2007] QCA 96 at [19]:
‘For the appellant, it was argued that the expert
description of the risk of the appellant’s re-offending as
10 See s 29(1) of the Act.
11 “Serious sexual offence” is defined in the Schedule of the Act: the offence must be of a sexual nature
with the added requirement that it either involve violence or an offence against children.
12 [2017] QSC 302.
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‘moderate’ meant that the risk fell short of
‘unacceptable’. But this argument overlooks the point
that whether or not a moderate risk is unacceptable must
be gauged by taking into account the nature of the risk
and the consequences of the risk materialising. In this
regard, the appellant’s likely targets are children, and
especially street children: vulnerable members of the
community who are likely to be peculiarly susceptible to
his seduction techniques. The focus of consideration
must, therefore, be upon the likely effect of a supervision
order in terms of reducing the opportunities for the
appellant to engage in acts of seduction of children to an
acceptably low level.’
[14] As observed in Nigro v Secretary, Dept of Justice (2013) 41 VR
3597 at [6]:
‘Whether a risk is unacceptable depends upon the degree
of likelihood of offending and the seriousness of the
consequences if the risk eventuates. There must be a
sufficient likelihood of the occurrence of the risk which,
when considered in combination with the magnitude of
the harm that may result and any other relevant
circumstance, makes the risk unacceptable.’
[15] For present purposes, what is required is an assessment of the
risk of the released prisoner committing a serious sexual offence
in the absence of a further supervision order. Relevantly, the
object of the DPSOA is to ensure adequate protection of the
community (s 3(a)). That does not mean the purpose of the
legislation is to guarantee the safety and protection of the
community. If that were the case, every risk would be
unacceptable. This is the corollary of the point made by the
Court of Appeal in Attorney-General (Qld) v Francis [2007] 1
Qd R 396 at [39] that the Act “does not contemplate that
arrangements to prevent [a particular risk] must be ‘watertight’;
otherwise orders under s 13(5)(b) would never be made” (as
opposed to a continuing detention order). In this regard, as
McMurdo J noted in Attorney-General (Qld) v Sutherland
[2006] QSC 268 at [30]:
‘Adequate protection is a relative concept. It involves the
same notion which is within the expression ‘unacceptable
risk’ within s 13(2). In each way the statute recognises
that some risk can be acceptable consistently with the
adequate protection of the community.’”
[22] The assessment of whether a risk is acceptable may include consideration of what is
known and what is unknown about the risk.13
13 Turnbull v Attorney-General (Qld) [2015] QCA 54 at [37] where there was uncertainty about some
material facts about a prisoner which affected the question of whether a detention order was required
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[23] In determining whether the decision ought to be affirmed under s 30 of the Act, the
factors mentioned in s 13(4) of the Act must be considered. These are:
“(aa) any report produced under section 8A;
(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.”
[24] If the court, on a review hearing, affirms the decision that the prisoner is a serious
danger to the community in the absence of a Division 3 Order, then the discretion
granted by s 30(3) is enlivened.
[25] Once the Court’s discretion is enlivened, the court may then order either that the
prisoner continue to be subject to the continuing detention order or be released from
custody subject to a supervision order. The onus lies on the applicant to satisfy the
court that a continuing detention order should be made. The starting point is the
consideration of whether a supervision order can ensure adequate protection of the
community.
[26] The paramount consideration under s 30(4) of the Act is the need to ensure the
adequate protection of the community in deciding what the appropriate order is to
make. That requires the Court to consider whether adequate protection of the
community can be reasonably and practicably managed by a supervision order and
whether the requirements under s 16 can be reasonably and practicably managed by
corrective service officers.
to ensure the adequate protection of the community which could not be known without him completing
the HISOP program; See also Attorney-General (Qld) v S [2015] QSC 157 at [40] McMurdo J.
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[27] That does not require the court to be satisfied that there is some absolute guarantee of
protection. In order to be satisfied that the community can adequately be protected by
the supervision order, the Court must be satisfied that a “supervision order would be
efficacious in constraining the respondent’s behaviour by preventing the opportunity
for the commission of sexual offences.”14 In Attorney-General (Qld) v Francis the
Court observed that:15
“…The Act does not contemplate that 10 arrangements to prevent such
a risk must be “watertight”; otherwise orders under s. 13(5)(b) would
never be made. The question is whether the protection of the
community is adequately ensured. If supervision of the prisoner is apt
to ensure adequate protection, having regard to the risk to the
community posed by the prisoner, then an order for supervised release
should, in principle, be preferred to a continuing detention order on
the basis that the intrusions of the Act upon the liberty of the subject
are exceptional, and the liberty of the subject should be constrained to
no greater extent than is warranted by the statute which authorised
such constraint.” (footnotes omitted)
[28] There must be evidence that the respondent will or is, at least, capable of complying
with the order.16
[29] In Attorney-General (Qld) v S,17 the court stated that, in determining whether the
community could be adequately protected only by a continuing detention order, “the
court is required to consider the nature and extent of the risk as well as the potential
consequences of that risk eventuating, in order to assess whether the risk is
acceptable, in the sense of providing adequate protection to the community.”
Psychiatric evidence
[30] Evidence was given by Dr Timmins and by Dr Aboud. Both saw him in person prior
to providing their reports. Dr Lars Madsen, who is Mr Jackway’s treating
psychologist, also gave evidence.
Dr Aboud
[31] Dr Aboud interviewed the respondent for the first time on 13 January 2017. In
discussing Dr Aboud’s evidence in 2017 I commented that:18
“[57] Dr Aboud considered that while it was evident that there had
been some improvements in relation to the respondent’s general
behaviour in prison, there remained clear examples within the
last year of violent behaviour in terms of issuing threats and
property damage as well as substance abuse.
[58] While Dr Aboud considers that there is evidence of gradual
personality maturation, he considers that there is still evidence
14 See Attorney-General (Qld) v Fardon [2011] QCA 111 at [29] per Chesterman JA.
15 [2007] 1 Qd R 396 at 405.
16 Attorney-General (Qld) v Fardon [2011] QCA 111 at [29].
17 [2015] QSC 157.
18 Attorney-General (Qld) v Jackway [2017] QSC 67.
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of ongoing emotionally unstable impulsive and challenging
behaviour.
[59] Dr Aboud considers in the context of the supervision order the
risk of reoffending sexually would reduce to moderate.
However presently he is not confident that the respondent would
comply with an order. He considers that given the respondent’s
personality traits and impulsivity, that the respondent’s
progression from stressful situations outcomes could be rapid.
He stated that to be confident that the respondent would be
successfully managed under a supervision order, it was
necessary to see behavioural evidence that the respondent can
manage his various stressors appropriately within the prison
environment. In that regard, he considered that it was necessary
for the respondent to demonstrate for a continuous 12 month
period no physically violent behaviour, no threat of violence to
an officer or inmates and no ingestion of contraband
substances.”
[32] Dr Aboud provided reports for both the 2018 and 2019 reviews and has had the
opportunity to observe the changes in the respondent over the last four years. In his
report dated 30 September 2020, he confirmed his opinion that the respondent suffers
from an antisocial personality disorder with prominent psychopathic traits which he
considers explains the respondent’s anti-authoritarian disposition, wide ranging
criminal offending and tendency to breach rules. He also considers that the respondent
appears to have some Borderline (Emotionally Unstable) Personality Traits
manifesting with a fragile emotional state, fears of abandonment and trust issues.
These vulnerabilities particularly become apparent when he experiences psychosocial
stress and at those times, he is at high risk of using alcohol or illicit substances as a
means of coping with his emotions. Dr Aboud considers he meets the criteria for
alcohol abuse and polysubstance abuse.
[33] Dr Timmins diagnosed Mr Jackway with Mixed Personality Disorder with
Narcissistic, Personality, Borderline, Antisocial and Psychopathic traits, as well as
having a polysubstance use disorder.19 Dr Aboud clarified in evidence that his
diagnoses was similar to Dr Timmins despite the difference in terminology of the
diagnoses.20
[34] Dr Aboud considered the possibility that the respondent suffered from the Paraphilia
Sexual Sadism but concluded he did not. While he considers it likely that Mr Jackway
harbours an underlying paedophile drive, he is unsure whether Mr Jackway meets the
criteria for a diagnosis of Paraphilia Paedophilia. Dr Aboud did consider that the
offence against the young boy was committed when Mr Jackway was behaviourally
dyscontrolled with alcohol and substances, which allowed a latent and suppressed
homosexual paedophilia to express itself. Dr Timmins also stated that she was
uncertain as to whether Mr Jackway meets the criteria for a sexual deviance such as
paedophilia or even sexual sadism.
19 Affidavit of E Timmins at exh ET-2 (2020 Dr Timmins Report) at 16.
20 T1-31/18-25.
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13
[35] Dr Aboud assessed Mr Jackway’s unmodified risk without a Division 3 order under
the Act as currently being high in respect of both sexual violence and general
violence.
[36] Dr Aboud further opined:21
“When I have previously assessed Mr Jackway, I have expressed my
view that I was not confident at that time that he would be able to
properly comply with the order. I considered his pathway of escalation
toward sexual re-offending likely required a circumstance of
psychosocial stress (caused by interpersonal conflict, relationship
difficulties, or other distress or frustration), leading to impulsive and
poorly thought through decisions to maladaptively manage negative
feelings with alcohol and/or substances. In such a circumstance, I
considered his progression from stressful situation to high risk
outcome might be rapid, and could even lead to a situation where he
abducts a stranger child victim from a public place. Thus, in order to
be confident that Mr Jackway could be successfully managed in the
community on the supervision order, I believed that it was necessary
to first see behavioural evidence (in addition to his verbal assurances
to professionals) that he could be successfully managed in the
community on the supervision order that he could manage his various
stressors appropriately within the prison environment. The challenge
for the Court is to decide whether the improvements that the [sic]
Mr Jackway has evidently made are sufficient to meet the
required standard of custodial behaviour set by the Court at the
hearing in 2018, and whether Mr Jackway is now showing signs of
emotional, impulse and behavioural control, that would allow him
to be successfully managed in the community, subject to a
supervision order.
It is my view that it would be unrealistic to expect Mr Jackway’s
personality structure to have changed within the last year. His various
vulnerabilities and proclivities remain, and are likely to remain, as
chronic problems for him. What is important is whether he has
demonstrated sufficient capacity to exercise self-control and to arrest
the behavioural urge that is underpinned by his emotional instability,
impulsive tendencies and reactive anger. It would appear to me that
the last year has reflected significantly improved behaviour. There was
one single violation, namely an [sic] fight in May 2020. He had
admitted to abusing opioid drugs, but ceased in March 2020, and is
requesting professional assistance in this regard, if released to the
community. It is thus my view that he is now showing signs of being
a man who might be successfully managed under conditions of a strict
supervision order. It is my opinion that his risk could be considered
manageable in the community, modified by a supervision order
and in this context would be reduced to below moderate.”
[37] Dr Aboud reiterated that alcohol abuse and polysubstance abuse were very relevant
to the respondent’s risk of sexual offending. In response to questions about what sort
21 Affidavit of A Aboud at exh AA-2 (2020 Dr Aboud Report) at 17-18.
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14
of stressors he perceived could lead Mr Jackway to consuming substances, alcohol or
other stimulants or other opioids Dr Aboud stated:22
“…I think this is at the heart of the matter because the types of stresses
that one would have described as destabilising Mr Jackway several
years ago would have been really quite minor and widespread, the
types of problems that one could encounter on a regular basis in a
prison environment or, alternatively, in a community environment. I
think that over the last three or so years, there has been marked shift
in a positive direction, judged by Mr Jackway’s behaviour history or
his – his violation history documented in his IOMS records by the
prison, but also in the information provided by his psychologist and
also when serially assessed by psychiatrists such as myself. I think that
there has been the most obvious favourable shift in the last year, but
that’s not happened without there being a lead-up to that favourable
shift, which was already seemingly occurring in the preceding one or
two years before that. So now the answer to your question is not quite
the same as it would have been. Now, I think the answer is that Mr
Jackway needs to be subjected to a – to a higher level of difficulty than
he used to be in order to become frustrated, agitated, angry. But the
types of things that could cause that might still be similar in that
interpersonal conflict I think would be one. Another would be that he
feels personally frustrated at not having needs met, when he feels that
they need to be met. I think that if he was facing significant threat or
perceived threat, or even loss, such as the – losses that might relate to
family or people that he has invested in on that level. I think that those
are the types of difficulties. But the most noteworthy one in the first
instance is going to be his interpersonal difficulties with other people
I think, and that’s what’s being borne out in the past.”
[38] In discussing an incident that occurred between Mr Jackway and another prisoner on
15 May 2020 which resulted in Mr Jackway slapping the prisoner, Dr Aboud stated
that the more relevant observation may be on every day where the same situation
occurred and the respondent did not act in that way and that:23
“… a man in Mr Jackway’s situation is highly likely to be
experiencing those types of difficulties on a regular basis. And
therefore, the fact that there was only one incident, it is perhaps the
reason why one looks at that incident and says that that’s a sign of
improvement.”
[39] While Dr Aboud stated that while engaging in a fight cannot be justified as a sign of
improvement, he noted that the respondent’s lapse was not as severe as had been seen
in the past and that neither prisoner was breached, indicating that corrective services
did not consider it to be a serious issue. He noted that the respondent also remained
in the same unit as the other prisoner with no reprimands in place, suggesting that
there was no ongoing problem.24 There is no suggestion that as a result of that
interpersonal conflict Mr Jackway resorted to taking any illicit substances. Dr Aboud
22 T1-31/40–T1-32/14.
23 T1-32/22-26.
24 T1-32–T1-33
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15
also noted that the concern in relation to the respondent is not merely that he would
engage in a fight, but that he would be so emotionally dyscontrolled that he could not
contain himself and would engage in a fight. The circumstances of the May incident
did not suggest that Mr Jackway became so emotionally dyscontrolled he could not
contain himself. Rather, it suggests that he was emotionally in control and not
dysphoric. Notwithstanding that there was a corrective services officer present and
the other party may not have retaliated, Dr Aboud considered that the fact that Mr
Jackway stopped his behaviour when asked supports the fact that he was in control.
This was in contrast to what may have been anticipated to be his response a number
of years ago where he would not have taken direction from the corrective service
officer.
[40] Dr Aboud was also asked about the significance of the discussion with the respondent
when he told Dr Aboud he had stopped using Subutex25 in March 2020. In that
conversation he told Dr Aboud that he decided that he had had enough and decided
to stop using. This occurred after initially stating that a reference to a conversation
with corrective services where he had informed them that he was using drugs for self-
management of pain occurred at an earlier time. Dr Aboud said that Mr Jackway had
originally sought to explain away his comment in the IOMS records that he had been
abusing opioids and had no intention of ceasing using them in March 2020. Dr Aboud
stated when he then came back to it later, Mr Jackway told him that he had been using
Subutex on occasion in February and March 2020 and wanted to be honest about it
and admitted that he had not been caught by corrective services. Mr Jackway also
admitted to Dr Aboud that he would remain vulnerable to opioids and would need to
go on a program when released.
[41] Dr Aboud thinks that Mr Jackway’s change of explanation may have been because
he had become more comfortable with Dr Aboud such that he made the admissions
later in the interview. According to Dr Aboud, his conduct was consistent with the
fact that Mr Jackway’s initial reaction is to quickly deny matters because he is
frightened or anxious regardless of what the ramifications may be, but once he realises
that the person is not attacking him he becomes more honest.
[42] Dr Aboud agreed that Mr Jackway’s apparent abstinence from drugs since March
2020 was not an unequivocal marker of improved behaviour insofar as he abused
substances until March and drugs were less available after March 2020 due to
COVID-19 restrictions. Dr Aboud said that he had assumed that the fact that COVID-
19 has meant drugs were not coming into the prison and were therefore less available
would have been part of the rationale in Mr Jackway’s ceasing to use drugs. Given
what Dr Aboud understood about Mr Jackway, he stated that he tended to believe Mr
Jackway when he told him that he had stopped using drugs. As Dr Aboud stated, there
was no advantage in Mr Jackway disclosing to Dr Aboud that he had been taking
drugs when he had had negative tests and had not been breached for it. Dr Aboud
considered it was to Mr Jackway’s credit that he admitted to taking drugs. He
considers it unlikely that he has abused drugs since then. He also considered it
significant that Mr Jackway admitted that he should go onto a program because of his
vulnerability to drugs. Dr Aboud agreed, however, that Mr Jackway stopping to use
the drug was potentially neutral if he only stopped using drugs because of lack of
availability.
25 Also referred to as Buprenorphine.
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16
[43] Dr Aboud agreed in cross-examination that Buprenorphine does not stay in the body
very long such that it can be detected in urine tests and the fact the respondent did not
have any positive test could be attributed to the irregularity of the tests, rather than
any dishonesty by the respondent in relation to the tests. Dr Aboud regarded the
respondent seeing Dr Madsen and having a three week delay in being able to go on
an opioid program as more important than going to Townsville to start the program
in jail immediately.
[44] Dr Aboud identified two possible pathways to Mr Jackway reoffending. One scenario
is that of in effect an antisocial rapist in relation to a vulnerable female or possibly a
child. Dr Aboud stated that was driven by the assessment tool he was using which
encouraged scenarios of future offending based on past offending. He regarded this
scenario as speculative. It was based on the respondent’s offending in 1991 and he
was trying to extrapolate offending of an immature offender to a mature offender. Dr
Aboud regarded it as a “form of barrel scrape” of trying to look at what the respondent
did as a 14 year old and what it can be shaped into, if anything.26 Insofar as it is one
scenario which is part of the high risk of Mr Jackway’s potential reoffending, Dr
Aboud stated that the word “high” also incorporates the severity of the offending.
This scenario involved a combination of a multitude of factors that affect the
respondent coming together, where there would be very few warning signs. Dr Aboud
described it as, as “speculative as it gets to extrapolate from something that happened
more than 30 years ago when a young adolescent and to try and make sense of it
now.”27
[45] The second pathway to reoffending is based far more on emotional dysregulation and
potentially a latent homosexual drive as a result of the abuse the respondent himself
is said to have experienced from a taxi driver when he was a teenager which was his
likely state of mind when the index offence against the young boy was committed in
1995. Dr Aboud agreed with Dr Timmins that, there would be a build-up of warning
signs in this pathway before any reoffending would occur.
[46] Dr Aboud considered that the imposition of a supervision order would reduce the risk
to below moderate. He identified the ways in which the order would reduce the risk
as follows:28
“….in Mr Jackway’s case, it provides him with both monitoring and
supervision, as well as support. He’s the type of man who would
benefit and will benefit from there being structure imposed on him,
and, in fact, he is likely to embrace quite a lot of structure because he’s
quite institutionalised. The – the monitoring is going to be to ensure
that he is managing his interpersonal relationships with others, that
he’s not engaging in higher risk situations, that his whereabouts are
generally known. I think that the – the structure of the – of – of – of
the processes are something – that would be a continuation from what
it’s like to be in prison, and something that is probably necessary. I
think it is necessary for him in order to structure his – his life. The
support that he needs is considerable. Not only does ne (sic) need
support to adjust from being in an – from being in a closed, contained
26 T1-38/15-35.
27 T1-40/4-5.
28 T1-40/11-34.
-- 16 of 35 --
17
institution to being in a less contained and less closed environment,
but he also needs psychological support in terms of reintegration,
coping adaptively, as opposed to not maladaptively, being able to
discuss with his psychologist and also from his case manager. So I
think that the – the supervision order offers all of those things. The –
the – the list of conditions that are – that the supervision order has
actually create – create those monitoring and support conditions or
structure.”
[47] Dr Aboud considered that the order should be imposed for at least ten years at first
instance but did not disagree with Dr Timmins opinion that it would be appropriate
to impose the order for 15 years. He considered that ten years is appropriate if one is
reviewing Mr Jackway in ten years’ time. He stated that he thought that was an
appropriate time to review his progress given that he would not have forecast three or
four years ago that there would be such a shift in Mr Jackway’s behaviour that he
would now be discussing Mr Jackway’s release on a supervision order on this
occasion.29 Dr Aboud considered that one would expect to see an observable change
in five years. In that regard, the stated that Mr Jackway’s behavioural change over
five years has been significant and largely driven by his own choices and his work
with Dr Madsen. This change has occurred even though he still has the same
antisocial personality.
[48] Dr Aboud agreed with Dr Timmins that 15 years is a more realistic time frame to
ensure the adequate protection of the community without an order. Given the period
for which the respondent has been in custody and his degree of institutionalisation,
he stated that ten years is the minimum period needed as Mr Jackway may need longer
to build relationships and a positive network.
[49] He did not suggest it was necessary to amend the proposed conditions in the
Supervision Order.
Dr Timmins
[50] Dr Timmins also provided a report dated 6 September 2020 and gave oral evidence.
She had also previously assessed Mr Jackway in 2019.
[51] In her report, Dr Timmins noted from Dr Madsen’s report amongst other matters, his
opinion that:30
“It is noted when considering the issue of treatment progress, it is
important to bear in mind that Mr Jackway presents with many of the
typical characteristics of individuals with and Antisocial Personality
Disorder (ASPD), including, impulsivity, a tendency to be defiant, a
resistance to rules and obviously, substance misuse. These
characteristics predispose him to struggle with compliance and have a
tendency to ‘self-sabotaging’.
In addition, another factor to consider when evaluating progress is his
current context. In the high secure [sic] prison unit that he lives, he has
few opportunities to participate in structured ‘pro-social’ activities
29 T1-41–T1-42.
30 2020 Dr Timmins Report at 14–15.
-- 17 of 35 --
18
(such as treatment course) or indeed even engage in regular therapy
with someone like myself. He spends all his time associating with
other offenders. These circumstances mean that he is constantly
exposed to antisocial attitudes that justify and reinforce problematic
behaviours and defiant attitudes, whilst providing him opportunities to
access illicit substances. Because of the monotony of these
environments Mr Jackway experiences boredom which he struggles to
tolerate (due to his personality disorder), a psychological state that
then leads to an increased risk of engaging in impulsive behaviours,
such as drug use.
Finally, as regards to the issue of risk, it is important to recognize [sic]
that Mr Jackway has two episodes of sexual offending, one occurred
when he was 14 and the other when he was 18. He served a prison
sentences [sic] for these offences, and in 2012 was placed on a
supervision order under s 13 of the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual
Offenders) Act 2003. He, of course, has a fairly extensive general
criminal history, and all of his problems whilst under the DPSOA have
related to noncompliance with rules, substance misuse and general
antisocial behaviour, not sexual reoffending. He is now also 44 years
old. It is my opinion that Mr Jackway’s presentation and history
identify his as a life-course persistent generalist antisocial offender,
rather than a specialist sexual offender. In other words, Mr Jackway is
most at-risk of engaging in general criminal behaviour, non-
compliance with conditions, and substance abuse than he is of
specifically sexually re-offending, should he be returned to the
community under a supervision order.”
[52] In cross-examination Dr Timmins stated that she did not disagree with Dr Madsen’s
assessment that Mr Jackway’s presentation identified him as a life course persistent
generalist antisocial offender rather than a specialist sexual offender.31
[53] Like Dr Aboud, Dr Timmins administered a number of risk assessment instruments
in addition to interviewing Mr Jackway when assessing his risk. She considered that
Mr Jackway is a high risk of reoffending in a sexual manner if released into the
community without a supervision order. Under the supervision of such an order, Dr
Timmins considers that his risk is likely to fall into a moderate category.
[54] Dr Timmins observed that Mr Jackway appears to have been substance free for the
four months since March 2020 and, as a consequence, his affect regulation appears to
be better and he has been able to experience an absence of substances and understand
the negative impact of substances on his ability to regulate his emotions.32 Dr
Timmins considered that he was better able to manage himself and was more
interested in healthier lifestyle choices. She also found that his insight into himself
and his risk is improving over time and he appeared to be more invested emotionally
in his release on this occasion.
[55] Dr Timmins further commented in oral evidence that if Mr Jackway was, as he stated,
feeling better without taking Buprenorphine, he could be coming to an understanding
31 T1-25/20.
32 2020 Dr Timmins Report at 19.
-- 18 of 35 --
19
that his drug use was causing a lot of his emotional dysregulation, which is more of a
positive reinforcement to not take drugs.33
[56] Dr Timmins considers that Mr Jackway has improved insight but is likely to require
a significant degree of practical and emotional support to avoid the risk of sexual
offending if released under a supervision order. She notes that stresses that he will
face in the community, which give rise to negative emotional states, are likely to
trigger old thoughts of retaliation, lack of caring about himself and others, thoughts
of violence and substance use. In terms of potential reoffending, she stated that:34
“There is likely to be a lead in time for this final behaviour which
means there could be opportunities for Mr Jackway to access supports
thus subverting negative consequences for himself and the
community. The risk is likely to escalate over time if Mr Jackway finds
he is unable access his supports and experiences an escalation of
negative emotional states, thoughts of violence and strong urges to use
substances. If he acts on these thoughts then a possible pathway to
offending sexually could occur with Mr Jackway leaving his
accommodation in a negative emotional state, accessing and using
substances and a relatively quick escalation to offending after
substance use with initially general and possibly violent offending to
even sexual offending. His victims could be adults or children and the
risk of physical harm or psychological harm is high.”
[57] Dr Timmins considered that Mr Jackway’s emotional state, and to a lesser extent peer
pressure, will be matters which influence his decision to use illicit substances in the
community. By “emotional state” Dr Timmins was referring to the more negative
emotional states that Mr Jackway struggles with which could be triggered for a
number of reasons. She considered that there would probably be a build-up on a
number of stressors and not necessarily just one minor stressor that will lead to
substance use.35 She considered that the lead in time before there would be an
escalation in his risk of reoffending would be a period of time spanning weeks to
months. Dr Timmins noted that there was a five week lead up to the offending from
when Mr Jackway was last assaulted by the taxi driver, fought with his brother, took
drugs and alcohol and offended against the young boy.36
[58] Once there has been a build-up and he has reached a negative emotional state Dr
Timmins considers that Mr Jackway is then at risk of going from thoughts to
behaviour which will potentially escalate reasonably quickly and go into last resort
thinking as she considers he did when he offended when he was 18.
[59] She considered that if Mr Jackway was subject to stressors and took substances such
as drugs and alcohol it could be a period of between 24 and 48 hours before he would
engage in a serious sexual offence. She said it is not just a case of him taking
substances but him being really agitated, taking substances and then potentially taking
off such that the risk escalates.37
33 T1-29/13-22.
34 2020 Dr Timmins Report at 20.
35 T1-15/33-36.
36 T1-25/38-43.
37 T1-22/43-47.
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20
[60] Dr Timmins considered there would be a number of opportunities for someone
supervising Mr Jackway, such as a corrective services officer or his psychologist, to
identify when he is building up to such a state. For example, noticing Mr Jackway
being more agitated, anxious, frustrated and testing boundaries then steering him
away from that course. She said his positive relationship with Dr Madsen will mean
that Dr Madsen is going to be best placed to identify the increasing agitation.38
[61] In 2019 Dr Timmins considered the events in June and July 2019 prior to the hearing
raised concerns that Mr Jackway was destabilised or destabilising.39 At that time she
considered that Mr Jackway was not in a state where she felt confident enough to
manage his own risks in the community.40
[62] Dr Timmins considered the May 2020 incident between Mr Jackway and another
prisoner. In relation to that incident, she considered that Mr Jackway showed a level
of control in asking the prisoner not to burn material and notwithstanding he gave
him a backhand, in stepping away when told to stop by the corrective services officer.
She considered when you were looking at the whole 12 months and the nature of the
incident there was markedly improved behaviour by Mr Jackway.41 She did not
consider that his response could only be attributed to the prison environment. She
stated that while there may not be a corrective services officer to tell Mr Jackway to
step away in the community, he would have more opportunity to move away because
he would be outside the hierarchy of the prison environment. She also considered that
the quick de-escalation shows that he will separate very quickly once he is pulled up
rather than escalating the situation as he has done in the past.42
[63] She considered that Dr Madsen’s treatment program with Mr Jackway has
ameliorated the characteristics arising from his diagnoses, although it cannot
completely eliminate the manifestations of his diagnosis. Dr Timmins has observed
an increased tendency not to manifest itself through reacting poorly as he has done in
the past.43 Similarly, Dr Timmins noted that while psychopathy traits are lifelong
traits, they tend to mellow when people hit their 40s, and this was consistent with
what had been observed in relation to Mr Jackway. With age, people in Mr Jackway’s
position tend to understand their antisocial behaviours are causing them problems and
become more pro-social.
[64] In relation to Mr Jackway’s drug use, Dr Timmins considered that his indication that
he is “over” using Subutex is consistent with that mellowing and that he has an
intellectual understanding of the consequences.44
[65] Dr Timmins considered that the opiate replacement treatment program Mr Jackway
has indicated he would engage in is an important part of his treatment to reduce his
urge to take or abuse opioids. She considered however it is more important for Mr
Jackway to be treated by Dr Madsen upon his release and to wait three weeks to get
on the Subutex replacement program, rather than have him undertake the program in
38 T1-28/36-40.
39 [2019] QSC 261 at [97].
40 [2019] QSC 261 at [98].
41 T1-18/14-16.
42 T1-29/1-5.
43 T1-19/4-30.
44 T1-26/21-30.
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21
custody in Townsville where Dr Madsen does not visit.45 She also considers Mr
Jackway may benefit from a Sex Offending Maintenance Program. Dr Timmins
stated that he will be difficult to manage given his personality.46
[66] Dr Timmins considered that Mr Jackway is more at risk of engaging in general
offending prior to any sexual offending. In assessing Mr Jackway’s risk as moderate
on a supervision order, Dr Timmins considered that sexual offending is always going
to be a concern given his past sexual offending. Dr Timmins considered, however,
that the procedural restrictions of a supervision order together with what Mr Jackway
can contribute himself with the work he has done with Mr Madsen and his going onto
the Subutex program will assist in reducing his risk down to moderate.47
[67] Given Mr Jackway’s age, complex diagnosis and that he is institutionalised, Dr
Timmins considered that the supervision order would need to be for a duration of 15
years to ensure the adequate protection of the community and ameliorate the risk of
reoffending. This length of time is reflected by the fact that it will take him a long
time to settle into the community and get himself moving forward.48
[68] Dr Timmins did not consider there were any further conditions required than had been
proposed in the draft supervision order. She considered the requirements with respect
to the monitoring of his relationships to be a matter of particular importance.
Dr Madsen
[69] Dr Madsen is Mr Jackway’s treating psychologist of over two years. Mr Jackway
informed the psychiatrists he had benefited from his treatment with Dr Madsen. Since
Dr Madsen’s last report in September 2019, he managed to meet with Mr Jackway on
eight occasions at the Capricornia Correctional Centre until March 2020. Due to
COVID-19, Dr Madsen was unable to have further sessions with Mr Jackway until
August 2020. Dr Madsen has met with Mr Jackway four times since August 2020. Dr
Madsen has provided two reports to the Court. He has been using a Forensic Schema
Therapy approach in Mr Jackway’s treatment which targets characteristics that
contribute to many of Mr Jackway’s problems with violence and problematic
behaviour. A summary of the progress of that treatment is set out Dr Madsen’s first
report. In cross-examination Dr Madsen agreed that studies suggested that it took two
years for the benefits of the schema therapy to manifest and that appeared to be the
case now with Mr Jackway, such that concrete improvements in his behaviour have
been achieved.49 He noted the prison environment restricted the extent to which Mr
Jackway could practice the techniques derived from the schema therapy. Dr Madsen
will continue the schema therapy program with Mr Jackway upon his release as it is
designed to work with individuals over the longer term.
[70] Dr Madsen noted that Mr Jackway has engaged well with him and in particular, Mr
Jackway has shifted his position on returning to the community and has been able to
talk about his anxieties about doing so. Media attention is one of them. Dr Madsen
stated that Mr Jackway recognises that his use of drugs is a coping strategy for
45 T1-27/26-48.
46 T1-24/1-2.
47 T1-21/31-40.
48 T1-23/6-17.
49 T1-8/20-34.
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22
managing the stress and boredom of the prison environment and was accepting of
suggestions as to how to cope with such challenges and access medical support when
he eventually returned to the community. Dr Madsen noted that while Mr Jackway
previously appeared to be overconfident about his ability to cope and survive in the
community, he now appears to be able to now tolerate being more thoughtful and
reflective. This was a significant change from what had been observed previously.
[71] Dr Madsen opined that, as a result of his personality characteristics, Mr Jackway has
a predisposition to struggle with compliance and a tendency to be self-sabotaging. Dr
Madsen noted however that Mr Jackway had few opportunities to engage in pro-
social activities in the prison environment. Dr Madsen noted the time that has passed
since Mr Jackway’s last sexual offending and observed that his problems relevant to
the Act have related to noncompliance with rules, substance misuse and general
antisocial behaviour, not sexual reoffending. Dr Madsen considered that Mr Jackway
is most at risk of engaging in general criminal behaviour, non-compliance with
conditions and substance abuse, rather than sexually re-offending should he be
returned to the community under a supervision order.
[72] Dr Madsen stated that, on the basis of evidence that supports the fact Mr Jackway has
ceased using illicit drugs, he considered that that is evidence of Mr Jackway
developing some emotional impulse and behavioural control.50 Dr Madsen also
considered that Mr Jackway’s conduct over the preceding 12 months provides some
assurance that he would be more capable of complying with a supervision order and
thinks Mr Jackway would be capable of functioning in that kind of environment
successfully.51 Dr Madsen considered that Mr Jackway is better equipped to
undertake that transition now than he was 12 months ago.52
[73] In his further report dated 14 October 2020, Dr Madsen stated that Mr Jackway
continued to talk openly to him about his prison life, his conduct and various matters
which affect him. Dr Madsen noted that Mr Jackway’s most recent engagement since
August 2020 has been positive and that he appears to have made positive progress in
stopping illicit drug use and avoiding further violence or other disruptive behaviours.
Dr Madsen considered that aspects of Mr Jackway’s personality have matured, as is
often the case with people who had anti-social personalities and that there is evidence
that nowadays he is less impulsive and prone to violent and aggressive outbursts than
he previously has been.
[74] Both Dr Aboud and Dr Timmins considered Mr Jackway needed to continue his
ongoing care with Dr Madsen. Dr Madsen agrees ongoing treatment will be necessary
particularly to assist him in the transition from prison life to the community.
Other matters
[75] Mr Jackway has undertaken a number of courses for sexual offenders and for
substance abuse since being placed on a continuing detention order.
50 T1-12/1-9.
51 T1-12/25-44.
52 T1-13/21-24.
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23
[76] The reports of the respondent’s conduct between 6 August 2019 and 3 July 2020 show
that his behaviour has generally been at an acceptable level, except for two incidents
which have been discussed by Dr Aboud and Dr Timmins.
[77] The first incident is that on 3 March 2020 Mr Jackway disclosed ongoing illicit
substance use which he attributed to self-management for pain associated with a
spinal injury. The Attorney-General accepts that notwithstanding he did not convey
any intention to stop substance abuse in March 2020, when he also acknowledged its
links to his recidivism, it appears, based on the available evidence that he has not used
the substance since that time. Drug tests have been carried out on 25 July 2020, 30
September 2020 and 1 October 2020. The September test yielded an invalid result but
the other tests support the fact that the respondent has taken no illicit substances,
which is some independent evidence in support of the respondent telling the
psychiatrists and Dr Madsen that he had ceased drug use. It is also supported by the
fact that it was uncontentious that less drugs were available in prison after COVID-
19 restrictions were put in place.
[78] The second incident is that Mr Jackway had an altercation with another prisoner on
15 May 2020 which started, according to the respondent, because the other prisoner
was burning a thong to make soot for a tattoo gun in the unit’s exercise yard and the
respondent asked him to stop. There was a stand-off with the result Mr Jackway
backhanded the prisoner. No breach was incurred.
[79] There is no evidence, nor is it submitted on behalf of the Attorney-General that
Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) cannot reasonably and practicably administer
a supervision order for the respondent.53
[80] It is proposed Mr Jackway would to go the precinct which can accommodate him.
While the precinct is not a regulated environment like the prison, it is managed by
QCS. The affidavit of Mr Bear deposes to a supervision regime which would include:
(a) Case management meetings which would initially occur twice weekly;
(b) Curfews which can range from 24 hours to 8 hours;
(c) GPS Tracking;
(d) Regular random testing for illicit drugs and alcohol up to a frequency of twice
weekly.
[81] The evidence of Mr Bear also confirms that Dr Madsen is available to continue
providing treatment to the respondent in the community and that QCS would liaise
with any treating psychologist and consider other referrals if necessary. He also states
that Mr Jackway would be provided with the details for the Alcohol and Other Drug
Service and he would have to liaise with them regarding participation in the Opioid
replacement treatment program.
[82] According to what Mr Jackway has told the psychiatrists he has regular telephone
contact with his mother and brother, albeit they live interstate. Mr Jackway also has
a sister on the Sunshine Coast. Although limited, it is evidence of some family support
he can access upon his release.
53 Which must be considered under s 16 of the Act.
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24
Consideration
Is the respondent a serious danger to the community in the absence of a Division 3
Order?
[83] The first question is whether the respondent is a serious danger to the community in
the absence of a Division 3 Order under the Act. As set out above, the respondent
concedes that the evidence supports a finding that he is a serious danger to the
community in the absence of a Division 3 order and that the order of O’Brien AJ in
that regard should be affirmed. Given the evidence before me, particularly the
psychiatric evidence and the psychiatrists’ assessment of Mr Jackway’s unmodified
risk, which I accept, that concession is a properly made. I am satisfied to a high degree
of probability that there is acceptable cogent evidence that has been presented to me,
that is of sufficient weight to conclude that the respondent continues to be a serious
danger to the community in the absence of a Division 3 Order under the Act. I have
reached that conclusion having regard to the matters which I am required to consider
under the Act, a number of which are addressed in the psychiatric opinions and Dr
Madsen’s evidence.
[84] I am therefore satisfied that the court should affirm the decision of O’Brien AJ that
the respondent is a serious danger to the community in the absence of a Division 3
Order.
Should the respondent be released on a supervision order?
[85] The Attorney-General submits that Mr Jackway should be the subject of a continuing
detention order in the exercise of the Court’s discretion pursuant to s 30(3) of the Act.
The applicant carries the onus to persuade the Court in that regard.54 As provided
under s30(4) of the Act, the paramount consideration is the need to ensure adequate
protection of the community. The court must consider whether the adequate
protection of the community can reasonably and practicably be managed by a
supervision order and whether the requirements of s 16 of the Act can be reasonably
and practicably managed by QCS. There is no evidence suggesting that QCS cannot
reasonably and practicably manage the requirements under s 16 of the Act in this
instance.
[86] In previous reviews one of the key issues has been whether Mr Jackway was able to
exercise a sufficient level of control in response to various stresses, notwithstanding
his antisocial personality, other personality traits and diagnosed conditions. As is
evident from the above decisions, each year has seen Mr Jackway’s behaviour
improving with signs of maturation, although he still engaged in self-sabotaging
behaviour in 2018 and 2019. Psychiatric opinion has previously been that a minimum
of 12 months of good and controlled behaviour is required in order for Mr Jackway
to demonstrate sufficient control for a person with the respondent’s psychiatric
condition to be the subject of a supervision order.55 Mr Jackway had committed
numerous breaches in custody demonstrating a lack of control with impulsive
behaviour and violent, aggressive outbursts. His aggressive behaviours were often
linked to when he was feeling agitated and frustrated when he could not get his own
54 Attorney-General (Qld) v Lawrence [2009] QCA 136; Attorney-General (Qld) v Francis [2007] 1 Qd
R 396.
55 Attorney-General (Qld) v Jackway [2017] QSC 67.
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25
way. He was observed to have a low threshold in that regard. The breaches have
however progressively reduced throughout the period he has been the subject of a
continuing detention order and he has demonstrated significant improvement in the
regulation of his behaviour.
[87] Mr Jackway’s emotional instability in the face of psychosocial stressors has acted as
a trigger for impulsive behaviour and poor decision making with Mr Jackway seeking
to manage such negative feelings with alcohol and drugs. Dr Aboud and Dr Timmins
considered that this was a significant feature of his 1995 offending. That is the most
likely pathway to potential sexual offending in the future. Mr Jackway suffers from
complex conditions which cannot be cured, but the negative characteristics mellow
with the passing of time and can be controlled. Thus, the importance of him showing
that he can manage his behaviour and exercise emotional control in order for the Court
to form a view that he can be managed under a supervision order to ensure the
adequate protection of the community.
[88] In contrast to the evidence given in previous years and in particularly the opinions
given by Dr Aboud and Dr Timmins last year, the psychiatrists opine that Mr
Jackway’s risk would reduce to moderate or below moderate if released on a
supervision order and both now consider he will be manageable under such an order
given his progression in the last 12 months. It has been an incremental process as his
behaviour has been improving progressively while on the continuing detention order.
[89] The Attorney-General submits, however, that the consequences of the manifestation
of risk are such that even a moderate risk is still too high to provide adequate
protection of the community. It is contended that the risk that is required to be
managed has content from a real possibility that the respondent suffers from a
paraphilia, such that there is a sexual drive that could propel the respondent towards
offending, and not just an alcohol induced anger brought about by a personality
disorder. The Attorney-General submits that there is moderate risk of a violent
penetration of a child or adult female which could have catastrophic consequences.
In that regard, the Attorney-General referred to Attorney-General (Qld) v Beattie
(Beattie).56 Keane JA (as his Honour then was) in that case rejected an argument that
the characterisation of a risk as moderate meant that the risk fell short of unacceptable,
stating that “whether or not a moderate risk is unacceptable must be gauged by taking
into account the nature of the risk and the consequences of the risk materialising.”57
[90] In Beattie, the primary judge had found that while it was unlikely that the prisoner
would actively seek to find victims to satisfy his deviant urges, there was a high
degree of probability that if presented with the opportunity to offend he would do so.
The prisoner in that case had been diagnosed as a homosexual paedophile, had
committed a number of sexual offences, had refused to engage in the High Intensity
Sexual Offending Program (HISOP), and while he had expressed a willingness to
participate in a Medium Intensity Sexual Offending Program outside prison, the
opinion of the psychiatrist was that the prisoner was clearly unmotivated to change.
In that case, one of the psychiatrists had expressed the view that had the respondent
successfully participated in the HISOP, a supervision order could have been made
with some confidence, but absent that, such an order would carry with it too great a
risk to the community. Keane JA found that the primary judge had not erred in his
56 [2007] QCA 96.
57 [2007] QCA 96 at [19].
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26
conclusion that the prisoner could not be relied upon to adhere to the strictures of the
conditions in the supervision order such that the danger he posed to the community
could be reduced to an acceptable level. Keane JA stated that if the Court had to re-
exercise the discretion it would have reached the same conclusion because it could
not conclude that the prisoner was sufficiently willing and able to observe the
conditions of the supervision order to reduce to an acceptable level the danger which
he poses to the community. In reaching that view, Keane JA noted that the prisoner
had a long history of irresponsible denial of his paedophilia, had refused treatment
and given no indication of a change of heart.
[91] The present case is quite different from Beattie. Mr Jackway has undertaken sexual
offending programs and been engaged with one-on-one therapy with psychologists
for a considerable period of time and the psychiatric opinion supports the fact he can
now manage and be managed by a supervision order, such that his risk can be
managed in the community. He has been reviewed for several years by psychiatrists
and there has not been any significant change in his identified possible pathways to
reoffending and the relevant triggers to the behaviour that could lead to that offending.
[92] The present case is also unlike the circumstances considered by McMurdo J in
Attorney-General (Qld) v S.58 In that case, the prisoner, like the prisoner in Beattie,
would not engage in programs to address his sexual offending. The Attorney-General
particularly relies on statements by McMurdo J in that case when he noted that his
task was to consider whether “the community could only be protected by a continuing
detention order.”59 That, according to McMurdo J (as his Honour then was), involved
“a consideration of the nature and extent of risk as well as the potential consequences
of that risk eventuating, in order to assess whether the risk is acceptable in the sense
of providing adequate protection to the community.”60 His Honour stated that risk
had a content “not only from what can be found as a fact about the prisoner, but also
from what constitute real possibilities.”61 In that case, the opinions of the psychiatrists
were that it was highly likely that the prisoner was a sexual sadist and that it was
necessary for him to engage in the sexual offender programs to understand his
potential pathways to reoffending so as to be able to develop an appropriate
supervision order to deal with the risks he presented.62 The opinion of the
psychiatrists was also that he needed to continue to be detained in prison for the safety
of the community.63 His Honour determined that there was a substantial risk,
according to the evidence of the psychiatrists, that the prisoner would not comply
with the supervision order and that a serious offence might be committed before his
non-compliance was detected and he was returned to custody.64
[93] While I agree with his Honour’s statement as to the assessment of risk, such an
assessment depends upon the facts of a particular case and the present case is again
quite different from the case of S.
58 [2015] QSC 157.
59 [2015] QSC 157 at [40].
60 [2015] QSC 157 at [40].
61 [2015] QSC 157 at [40].
62 [2015] QSC 157 at [15], [16], [30] and [31].
63 [2015] QSC 157 at [15], [25] and [31].
64 [2015] QSC 157 at [41].
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27
[94] The Attorney-General raised a concern about the respondent’s possible paraphilia as
a sexual drive, propelling the respondent towards offending. That possibility has,
however, been considered by the psychiatrists. Neither of the psychiatrists have
diagnosed the respondent with a paraphilia but raised the possibility that it may be
present. Neither psychiatrist has suggested that that possibility would change their
assessment of the risk or the ability to manage the respondent on a supervision order.
Neither opined that Mr Jackway had to undertake further programs or therapy or stay
in custody in order for the nature of his potential risk of reoffending to be understood
and managed. Dr Aboud stated that in reaching his conclusion that Mr Jackway’s
unmodified risk was high, using the actuarial and dynamic assessments of risks, he
took into account matters including the worrying aspects of Mr Jackway’s offending
behaviour and nature of the sexual offences. Dr Timmins noted that it would likely
take a considerable amount of time to truly understand his sexual preferences given
his personality structure, mistrust of authority figures and a developing but still
limited insight into himself as a person. The possibility of sexual deviance was taken
into account in his possible scores for the RSVP assessment tool in her assessment of
his risk.65
[95] Both Dr Aboud and Dr Timmins have made their assessments of risk on the basis that
the most likely pathway to his reoffending includes a potential sexual assault on a
child, although both state the offending could be against an adult female.
[96] Both Dr Timmins and Dr Aboud assessed Mr Jackway’s predominant risk as being
an offence against a young underage boy if he was affected by illicit substances and
alcohol in a dysregulated stated.66 In that regard, Dr Aboud considered that his
suspicion was that Mr Jackway could be driven by his likely latent homosexual
paedophile drive, but stated:67
“Whether Jackway himself is a paedophile is far less certain to me.
But my concern is that when he is in a destabilised intoxicated state,
there is a … very angry person there, a person who was sexually
abused and who is capable of sexually abusing or molesting a victim
male child.”
[97] Dr Aboud agreed with Dr Timmins that there would, however, be a lead up time in
relation to any such offending.
[98] Dr Madsen, who has been his psychologist for more than two years, considered that
Mr Jackway is more a life-course persistent offender, rather than a specialist sexual
offender. Dr Timmins did not disagree with that view and considered that he was
more likely to engage in general offending before sexual offending.
[99] The Attorney-General also submitted that one of the “real possibilities” in terms of
risk was the possible pathway identified by Dr Aboud that Mr Jackway would
opportunistically attempt to coerce a vulnerable female into sexual activity, who
could be a child, intellectually compromised or an otherwise vulnerable person, which
given the ramifications is a high risk in terms of Mr Jackway’s sexual offending.68 I
discussed Dr Aboud’s evidence in relation to this above which was the pathway that
65 2020 Dr Timmins Report at 18.
66 T1-21/7-14; T1-39/24-37.
67 T1-39/34-37.
68 2020 Dr Aboud Report at 16.
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28
he would in effect be an antisocial rapist. While Dr Aboud did identify that pathway
as a potential risk, Dr Aboud did not suggest that there was any real likelihood of that
risk coming to fruition. Dr Aboud’s opinion was that such a scenario was speculative
at best, which was based upon a scenario developed from when Mr Jackway offended
as a 14 year old boy. He stated it was the result of him engaging in a process required
in applying the risk for sexual violence protocol as a form of “barrel scrape”.69 While
one cannot dismiss the possibility of this pathway to reoffending given its serious
consequences, on the basis of Dr Aboud’s evidence, I consider that the likelihood of
that scenario occurring is relatively low.
[100] Counsel for the Attorney-General also submits that while the respondent, has shown
increased levels of self-control in custody, the incident in May 2020 supports the fact
he cannot be presently be managed on a supervision order to ensure the adequate
protection of the community. It was submitted that personal grievances such as those
which occurred in May 2020 will be experienced in the community without the same
level of control and containment found in the prison environment. Counsel for the
Attorney-General emphasised that interpersonal conflict can quickly escalate in the
community and that drugs or alcohol can be quickly consumed. The Attorney-General
submitted that those factors will critically escalate the risk of reoffending which could
occur in 24 to 48 hours if no indicators are detected in the lead-in time. It is submitted
that the respondent’s volatility, albeit better controlled, still remains. Further, Counsel
for the Attorney-General submits that on Mr Jackway’s own admission he had been
taking Subutex up until March 2020 when he was aware of the link to his risks of
reoffending considered under the Act. The Attorney-General submitted caution must
be exercised in giving much weight to anything said by Mr Jackway in the absence
of corroboration, particularly that he has stated to QCS in March 2020 that he was
using drugs and intended to continue to abstain in the future. The Attorney-General
also submitted that it was significant his ceasing drug use was contributed to by lack
of availability of drugs in prison due to COVID-19 restrictions, rather than necessarily
by choice.
[101] Counsel for Mr Jackway emphasised that the court is not required to be satisfied that
the arrangements under the supervision order are “watertight”. The respondent’s
counsel contends that the psychiatric evidence supports the fact that Mr Jackway can
now be released with the benefit of a supervision order and the Court’s decision
should heed the expert advice, as it has done in the past, in determining whether Mr
Jackway’s risk was reduced to an acceptable level to ensure the adequate protection
of the community under a supervision order.
[102] Counsel for Mr Jackway contends that in that regard Dr Aboud’s evidence is the most
compelling that Mr Jackway is likely to comply with a supervision order, given his
observation of Mr Jackway over a number of years and given, in previous review
hearings he had not considered that Mr Jackway was likely to comply with the
conditions of a supervision order and further time was needed for his maturation and
exercise of self-control. That is supported by the fact that there is only one relatively
minor altercation with a prisoner that had occurred in the last 12 months and his self-
confessed use of Subutex which has ceased. The change in behaviour of the
respondent is consistent with what was predicted by psychiatrists in the past, that
negative characteristics of Mr Jackway’s personality have mellowed with age.
69 T1-38/4-35.
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29
Counsel for the respondent submitted that there was no real uncertainty relevant to
risk. His pathway to reoffending described by psychiatrists had generally not changed
from previous opinions given.
[103] It was further submitted on behalf of Mr Jackway that there were added protections
given that Dr Timmins indicated that there were going to be tell-tale signs of his
increasing emotional dyscontrol and that Dr Madsen particularly will be able to
observe signs even if QCS officers do not.
[104] I am conscious of the fact that psychiatric opinions provided and considered in
previous reviews and accepted by the Court expressed the view that if the respondent
was able to undergo 12 months of good and controlled behaviour that would be
sufficient to demonstrate that he may be able to be released subject to a supervision
order. Indeed Dr Aboud expressed such a view when he appeared before me in 2017.
The last 12 months have not been without incident. However the significance of both
Mr Jackway’s admission of using drugs up until March 2020 and his statement that
he ceased using in March 2020 and the May 2020 incident were considered by both
Dr Aboud and Dr Timmins and explored in cross-examination. Neither considered
that the admission he had been taking drugs up until 2020 or the May incident, in the
overall context of his behaviour, and their observations when assessing him changed
their opinion that his risk could now be managed under the proposed Supervision
Order. Given that both Dr Timmins and Dr Aboud were familiar with Mr Jackway’s
history I attached significant weight to their opinion.
[105] Both Dr Aboud and Dr Timmins impressed me with their thorough and well
considered opinions and I accept their evidence. They generally were in agreement
with each other. To the extent Dr Aboud assessed Mr Jackway’s risk under the
supervision order as below moderate as opposed to Dr Timmins who assessed it as
moderate, I place some added weight to Dr Aboud’s opinion that Mr Jackway’s risk
would be reduced to below moderate, given that he has had the opportunity to Mr
Jackway’s progression over a longer period than Dr Timmins. I also accept the
evidence of Dr Madsen as to Mr Jackway’s progress.
[106] The opinions of both Drs Timmins and Aboud are supported by the assessment by Dr
Madsen. All three have observed that Mr Jackway has generally improved with each
year that has passed in relation to his ability to self-regulate and control his emotions,
consistent with his maturation. That is consistent with the evidence of the
psychiatrists that people with anti-social personalities and psychopathic traits tend to
mature and those aspects of their personality mellow, although they will never be
fully eliminated. The change in Mr Jackway’s behaviour is also consistent with the
expected time frame for the schema therapy being utilised by Dr Madsen to take
effect.
[107] While Mr Jackway’s conduct in relation to the May 2020 incident was inappropriate,
I accept that it was not, as it has been in the past, indicative of Mr Jackway’s inability
to manage his impulsivity and exercise emotional control. I also accept Dr Timmins
evidence that it is not indicative of the fact that he may not be able to control himself
in the precinct without the intervention of QCS officers. The fact that there has been
only one incident in May 2020, as Dr Aboud observed has to be judged against the
other period of time without incident. The fact only one incident has occurred in the
circumstances it did must also be considered in the context of his environment. This
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30
is supported by Dr Madsen’s observations that Mr Jackway is constantly exposed to
antisocial and defiant attitudes in prison where he considers he needs to appear
uncompromising and dangerous to others to avoid being stood over and bashed and
has had few opportunities to participate in pro-social activities. I consider that the
Attorney-General’s submission overstates the significance of the incident when
considered in the context of all of the circumstances.
[108] Given the link between Mr Jackway’s offending and using illicit substances, the fact
Mr Jackway indicated to Dr Aboud and Dr Timmins that he had been using Subutex
up until March 2020 without apparent detection is concerning. The evidence does not
however support any suggestion that the lack of detection was due to dishonesty on
Mr Jackway’s behalf and I do not infer it.
[109] I am cautious in attaching weight to what Mr Jackway says given his propensity to be
manipulative and untruthful. I found that both Dr Aboud and Dr Timmins were
similarly cautious. Both were inclined to believe that he had stopped taking Subutex.
The most recent urine tests support an abstinence from drugs, although caution needs
to be exercised since he admitted he had not been caught prior to March 2020 despite
urine tests having been undertaken. Further support for the fact that Mr Jackway has
in fact stopped taking drugs is his disclosure to Dr Timmins and Dr Aboud that he
had taken them up until March 2020, but then stopped, when it was not in his interest
to disclose it and the timing correlates with the fact that the drugs were unavailable
due to COVID-19.
[110] While one must exercise some degree of scepticism as to whether Mr Jackway is
being candid in what he says rather than self-serving, in all of the circumstances I find
that what has occurred it does appear more likely than not that he has ceased using
Subutex. While I consider that Mr Jackway’s ceasing to use illicit substances was
partly forced upon him due to lack of availability and partly due to a decision to cease
using, the fact he has ceased using drugs is a significant step given his ongoing use
of drugs in the past. Further he has reported feeling better after the period of
withdrawal, although he recognises that he is still vulnerable to drugs and needs to go
on a treatment program upon his release.
[111] Both Dr Aboud and Dr Timmins consider that the fact Mr Jackway disclosed his use
of Subutex was a positive sign when he had no need to make the admission and also
both were inclined to accept that he had ceased taking drugs. In disclosing the fact
that he had ceased using drugs, Mr Jackway appears to now recognise that it is of
benefit to him not to be taking drugs and that he uses drugs as a way of coping with
stress.70 Dr Timmins considers that Mr Jackway has been able to experience an
absence of substances and understand the negative impact substances have on his
ability to regulate his emotions which serves as a positive reinforcement of abstinence
from drugs. However, Mr Jackway should still undertake the opioid replacement
treatment program as he has indicated he is prepared to do.
[112] As a further sign of his maturation Mr Jackway was able to openly discuss the anxiety
he experienced in 2019 with Dr Timmins and Dr Madsen. His conduct in the last
twelve months is in contrast to his high anxiety in 2019 which appears to have led
him to “self-sabotage” according to him, because of his fears about being released.
He has spoken openly about his anxiety about media attention upon his release and
70 T1-29/13-20 per Dr Timmins.
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31
adjusting to being released after so many years of imprisonment. While those
anxieties remain, he stated to Dr Timmins that he would have to take it step by step
and acknowledged that he would be subject to a curfew and wearing an ankle
bracelet.71 Mr Jackway also stated to Dr Timmins that he was ready this time to be
released, whereas on the last occasion he was unsure about what he wanted.72
[113] Dr Madsen noted in his report that Mr Jackway was more reflective about his return
to the community and tolerant of having his perception and viewpoint challenged as
opposed to having previously been overconfident about his capacity to adapt to and
deal with the new challenges. This openness to discussing his anxieties is of
significance given he is institutionalised and his transition to everyday independent
living in the precinct setting will pose significant challenges. Dr Timmins considered
that with appropriate supports the fact he has become institutionalised does not mean
he could not function in the outside world.73 Dr Aboud considers that the structured
environment in the precinct and under the terms of the order will be of benefit to him
in transitioning.
[114] Mr Jackway last committed a sexual offence in 1995.74 He is said to have suffered
abuse when he was a young teenager and is presently taking steps to make an
application in relation to the abuse he suffered. He has a complex diagnosis and his
personality and other traits mean that he will always have an added layer of
complexity which will have to be taken into account when managing him under a
Supervision Order, although it will continue to diminish over time. The
psychotherapy he has been engaging in is the appropriate treatment to ameliorate the
manifestations arising out of his diagnoses.75 Dr Timmins observed that he is more
receptive to that treatment than in the past, particularly with Dr Madsen.76 I accept
the evidence that his change in behaviour is also the result of psychotherapy.
[115] Given the complexity of Mr Jackway’s personality and particularly his psychopathic
traits, it is his conduct rather than what he says which is of particular evidential
significance. In particular, there must be sufficient evidence to persuade the Court
that he is willing to comply with the order and that it will contain the risks of his
reoffending to an acceptable level.
[116] Mr Jackway has been detained on a continuing detention order for seven years. In this
time, his behaviour has been monitored and he has engaged in therapy to effect
change in his behaviour and instil coping mechanisms to cope with the various
stressors he experiences. His progress in that regard shows that the object of the Act
to provide continuing control, care or treatment to facilitate their rehabilitation is
being met. While his personality disorder and other traits remain, the evidence
supports the fact he has reached a point where he can sufficiently control his response
without becoming emotionally dyscontrolled and does not have the same level of
dependence on drugs in the past.
71 2020 Dr Timmins Report at 12.
72 2020 Dr Timmins Report at 14.
73 T1-27/15-17.
74 To the extent that there were allegations of offending while in prison, they were never substantiated.
75 T1-19/10-29.
76 T1-27/19-25.
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32
[117] In the present case, the evidence of the psychiatrists, Dr Madsen and Mr Jackway’s
conduct in the last 12 months support a finding that the has demonstrated that he has
reached a level of maturation and learnt methods of controlling his impulsive
behaviour, emotions and anger to a level where the Court is satisfied he is likely to
comply with the conditions of a supervision order. He has shown significant progress
with Dr Madsen in the schema therapy program over the last two years which is, as
is anticipated under that program, showing positive outcomes in terms of his conduct.
That therapy will continue with Dr Madsen upon his release. Dr Aboud also
commented upon Mr Jackway’s conduct in court in this hearing as being very
reasonable and that for somebody who is an emotionally dysregulated man with
psychopathic traits he had behaved remarkably well which is supportive of a shift in
his behaviour from what one would have anticipated would have been his reaction in
the past.77 The fact there has been only one incident in May 2020 over the last 12
months is evidence of Mr Jackway’s ability to control his behaviour and interpersonal
conflicts and to comply with the rules imposed upon him in the prison environment.78
I further accept Dr Timmins’ observation that while Mr Jackway will not have the
same supervision in the community there will not be the same dynamics and peer
pressure to have to not show weakness in such situations and a greater ability to walk
away, albeit it will initially be in the confines of the precinct.
[118] In considering the likelihood of the occurrence of the risk of reoffending, Dr Timmins
is of the view that Mr Jackway is more likely to breach conditions such as using
substances or more general type offences before committing any sexual offending.79
Importantly, Dr Timmins believes that there will be a build-up in Mr Jackway’s
behaviour over some weeks or months prior to any final escalation which could then
occur within 24 to 48 hours, which will provide opportunities for him to access
supports, thus subverting negative consequences for himself and the community. Dr
Aboud now agrees with that view. In that regard, the ongoing therapy with Dr Madsen
is proposed to continue and has an added protective factor given Dr Timmins
considers that Dr Madsen would be in the best position to pick up signs of Mr
Jackway’s increasing rise to a negative emotional state. There are additional signs
which were identified by Dr Aboud and Dr Timmins, which could also be telling
signs for the QCS officer and case management officer to note as red flags that Mr
Jackway may be reacting to psychosocial stressors in a negative way. The fact that
there will be red flags reduces the likelihood of any incident of risk occurring and
supports the fact that Mr Jackway’s risk can be adequately managed under a
supervision order. The order also provides for him having no contact with children
under 16 years of age and imposes conditions on contact with any adult who has care
of a child. He has also indicated that he will partake in a Sex Offender Maintenance
Program which can be undertaken in the community and which Dr Timmins considers
may be of benefit.
[119] While the scenario of the respondent coercing a female and sexually assaulting her
will not, according to Dr Aboud, have the same tell-tale signs, the risk in that regard
while severe in consequences, is a matter of very low likelihood of occurring, given
Dr Aboud’s view that scenario was as speculative as one could get. It is not a scenario
that was specifically identified by Dr Timmins. Dr Madsen also believes that Mr
Jackway is more aptly described as a persistent generalised anti-social offender rather
77 T1-42/10-15.
78 See for example T1-18/1-30.
79 T1-21/26-30; T1-25/15-30.
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33
than a specialist sexual offender. Dr Timmins did not disagree with that view. That
supports Dr Timmins’ view it is more likely that Mr Jackway will transgress the
supervision order by general offending.
[120] Further, the Supervision Order also provides for QCS being able to graduate his
progression into the community and monitor social contact insofar he will have to
disclose to QCS what he plans to do each week, albeit it relies on Mr Jackway
disclosing details. There are also restrictions upon his use of a mobile phone.
[121] Mr Jackway’s initial release will be to the Wacol precinct which is provided by QCS.
Any other accommodation will have to be assessed for suitability by QCS before his
release. While he will not be subject to the same strictures of being in prison, QCS
will monitor his progression under curfew directions and he will also be subject to
wearing a GPS tracker.
[122] In terms of his release on a supervision order, it is also notable that, upon release, Mr
Jackway will be subject to strict conditions under the Supervision Order. Importantly,
Dr Madsen will continue to treat Mr Jackway and will be supported by QCS in that
regard. Dr Madsen and the psychiatrists noted that it will be necessary for him to see
Mr Jackway twice weekly. The fact that he has developed a fairly open relationship
with Dr Madsen and appears to freely discuss what is taking place in his life is an
added protective factor in his transition to the community and the inevitable stresses
he will experience.
[123] An important factor in his successful compliance with a supervision order and the
management of his behaviour is his abstinence from alcohol and drugs. As noted
above, the fact that he will be able to do so has been strengthened by his apparent
abstinence from any illicit substances since March 2020 and his insight that that
abstinence has been of benefit to him. Provision is made in the supervision order that
he must abstain from both illicit substances and alcohol and be subject to random
urine tests.
[124] The respondent has also indicated that he wished to engage in an opioid substitution
treatment program. He has been assessed as being suitable to be placed on a program,
and the visiting medical officer can make a referral to a community-based program
which will be facilitated by Alcohol and Other Drugs Service (AODS). QCS will
provide the details to Mr Jackway to make contact with AODS and assist him with
making the intake appointments with AODS. They will continue to liaise with AODS
regarding Mr Jackway’s attendance and compliance. Under the Supervision Order,
Mr Jackway must obey any direction by a QCS officer about participating in any
treatment or rehabilitation program. While there will be a short delay in his
undertaking the program, there are sufficient safeguards in place to monitor his
behaviour in the interim.
[125] Dr Timmins and Dr Aboud consider supervision will reduce Mr Jackway’s risk to
moderate and below moderate respectively. Dr Aboud stated it would do so by
providing him with monitoring and supervision as well as support. He considers the
structure imposed upon him will be of assistance given he is quite institutionalised.
Both consider he will need psychological support and support from his case manager
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to assist his transition and reintegration.80 He considers the supervision offers all of
the necessary supports and structure.
[126] I consider that the extensive conditions of the proposed Supervision Order will reduce
the risk to an acceptable one given that the real issue has been the ability of the
respondent to comply with the conditions not as to the appropriateness of the
conditions to contain the risks of reoffending posed by the respondent.
[127] Taking into account all of the circumstances, the structured nature of his transition,
the supports and programs that will be available upon his release and constraints of
the supervision order, while all relevant risks cannot be eliminated, I do not consider
that the evidence establishes that there is a sufficient likelihood of the occurrence of
risk that makes the risk unacceptable despite the ramifications if he did offend, if Mr
Jackway is released under a supervision order. I find that the proposed Supervision
Order will be efficacious in containing Mr Jackway’s risks of sexual reoffending to
an acceptable level and ensuring the adequate protection of the community.
[128] The Attorney General has failed to discharge the onus of persuading me that the Court
should exercise its discretion to affirm the continuing detention order.
Length of Order
[129] There was initially a contest as to whether the Supervision Order should be for 10 or
15 years.
[130] While Dr Aboud had recommended a supervision order for at least 10 year, whereas
Dr Timmins recommended a supervision order for a period of 15 years, Dr Aboud
ultimately stated that the 10 year period was a minimum period and that Dr Timmins’
view of 15 years was the more realistic one. The respondent’s counsel submitted in
light of the psychiatric evidence that he did not make any submissions about the
conditions on the proposed Supervision Order or the duration of 15 years.
[131] I accept the opinion of Dr Timmins, from which Dr Aboud did not dissent, that the
order should be for a period of 15 years. The proposed period of the Supervision
Order of 15 years is naturally an onerous one, given the extensive conditions which
are provided for under the order. However, the respondent is somebody who has
become institutionalised given he has been incarcerated for most of his adult life,
since he was 18. His diagnoses are such that it is anticipated that he will take longer
to adapt and develop positive networks than would be expected for other individuals
and to ameliorate his risk of sexual offending in the community to a level where the
adequate protection of the community can be ensure without a supervision order at
all.81 In this regard, I place considerable weight on the psychiatrists’ evidence as to
the time that it is likely to take for the respondent to reach a point where he is an
acceptable risk without a supervision order. In my view, the appropriate length of
time for the order is one of 15 years, noting that the order does provide for the QCS
to adjust the conditions to allow the respondent greater freedoms as time progresses
if his conduct supports a relaxing of the conditions to which he is subject.
80 T1-40/10-35.
81 Attorney-General (Qld) v DXP [2019] QSC 77 at [29].
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Conclusions
[132] Given the above analysis, the orders that should be made by this Court are that:
The Court affirms the decision of O’Brien AJ made on 28 February 2012 that the
respondent, Douglas Brian Jackway is a serious danger to the community in the
absence of an order pursuant to Division 3, Part 2 of the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual
Offenders) Act 2003 and orders that:
1. Pursuant to s 30(3)(b) of the Act, the respondent, Douglas Brian Jackway be
released from custody and from that time be subject to the requirements
contained in the draft Supervision Order for a period of 15 years.
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Official source: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/QSC/2020/377