Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v PCO [2019] QSC 44
SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND
CITATION: Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v PCO [2019]
QSC 44
PARTIES: ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR THE STATE OF
QUEENSLAND
(applicant)
v
PCO
(respondent)
FILE NO/S: No 12429 of 18
DIVISION: Trial Division
PROCEEDING: Application
DELIVERED ON: 7 March 2019
DELIVERED AT: Brisbane
HEARING DATE: 18 February 2019
JUDGE: Davis J
ORDER: The respondent be released subject to the requirements
set out in the Schedule to these reasons until 7 March
2024.
CATCHWORDS: CRIMINAL LAW – SENTENCE – SENTENCING ORDERS
– ORDERS AND DECLARATIONS RELATING TO
SERIOUS OR VIOLENT OFFENDERS OR DANGEROUS
SEXUAL OFFENDERS – DANGEROUS SEXUAL
OFFENDER – GENERALLY – where the respondent was
subject to examination by psychiatrists for the purposes of the
application – where the applicant conceded that adequate
protection of the community could be ensured by a supervision
order under Division 3 of Part 2 of the Dangerous Prisoners
(Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld) (the DPSOA) – where the
respondent conceded the need for a supervision order under
Division 3 of Part 2 of the DPSOA – where the length of the
order under Division 3 of Part 2 of the DPSOA was contested
– whether the applicant presents a serious danger to the
community in the absence of a supervision order under
Division 3 of Part 2 of the DPSOA – whether such an order
should be made – whether the length of the order under
Division 3 of Part 2 of the DPSOA should be more than five
years
Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld), s 3,
s 5, s 8, s 11, s 12, s 13, s 13A, s 16
Attorney-General v Van Dessel [2007] 2 Qd R 1, cited
-- 1 of 42 --
2
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Foy [2014]
QSC 304, cited
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v KAH [2019]
QSC 36, cited
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v
Kanaveilomani [2013] QCA 404, cited
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Newman
[2018] QSC 156, cited
Bickle v Attorney-General [2016] 2 Qd R 523, cited
COUNSEL: J Tate for the applicant
T A Ryan for the respondent
SOLICITORS: G R Cooper for the Crown Solicitor
Robertson O’Gorman for the respondent
[1] The respondent is presently serving a term of imprisonment for serious sexual offences
committed against his biological daughter (the index offences). She was aged between
five and nine years of age over the period of the offending.
[2] The Attorney-General applied for orders under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual
Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld) (DPSOA). Dr Sundin examined the respondent and prepared
a risk assessment report.1 On 30 November 2018, Mullins J, on a hearing pursuant to s 8
of the DPSOA held that there were reasonable grounds for believing the respondent is a
serious danger to the community in the absence of an order under Part 2 Division 3 of the
DPSOA and:
(i) appointed consultant psychiatrists, Dr Michael Beech and Dr Scott Harden to
prepare risk assessment reports;
(ii) set the hearing date of the application for final orders for 18 February 2019.
[3] The current application by the Attorney-General is for final orders under s 13 of the
DPSOA.
Statutory scheme
[4] Section 3 of the DPSOA identifies the objects of the legislation as follows:
“3 Objects of this Act
The objects of this Act are—
(a) to provide for the continued detention in custody or supervised
release of a particular class of prisoner to ensure adequate
protection of the community; and
(b) to provide continuing control, care or treatment of a particular
class of prisoner to facilitate their rehabilitation.”
1 Dated 4 September 2018.
-- 2 of 42 --
3
[5] The objects of the DPSOA are fulfilled by a scheme providing for the detention of
prisoners beyond the expiry of their sentences, or alternatively their release upon
supervision.
[6] By s 5, the Attorney-General may apply for both an order under s 8 of the DPSOA and
also an order under Division 3 of Part 2. Division 3 of Part 2 provides for the making of
final orders. Applications can only be brought under s 5 against a “prisoner”.
[7] Section 5, which authorises the application for orders and which contains the definition
of “prisoner”, is as follows:
“5 Attorney-General may apply for orders
(1) The Attorney-General may apply to the court for an order or
orders under section 8 and a division 3 order in relation to a
prisoner.
(2) The application must—
(a) state the orders sought; and
(b) be accompanied by any affidavits to be relied on by the
Attorney-General for the purpose of seeking an order or
orders under section 8; and
(c) be made during the last 6 months of the prisoner’s period of
imprisonment.
(3) On the filing of the application, the registrar must record a return
date for the matter to come before the court for a hearing
(preliminary hearing) to decide whether the court is satisfied that
there are reasonable grounds for believing the prisoner is a serious
danger to the community in the absence of a division 3 order.
(4) The return date for the preliminary hearing must be within 28
business days after the filing.
(5) A copy of the application and any affidavit to be relied on by the
Attorney-General must be given to the prisoner within 2 business
days after the filing.
(6) In this section—
prisoner means a prisoner detained in custody who is
serving a period of imprisonment for a serious sexual
offence, or serving a period of imprisonment that includes
a term of imprisonment for a serous sexual offence, whether
the person was sentenced to the term or period of
imprisonment before or after the commencement of this
section.”
[8] The definition of “prisoner” in s 5(6) introduces the concept of “a serious sexual offence”.
That term is defined as follows:
“serious sexual offence means an offence of a sexual nature, whether
committed in Queensland or outside Queensland—
-- 3 of 42 --
4
(a) involving violence; or
(b) against a child; or
(c) against a person, including a fictitious person represented to the
prisoner as a real person, whom the prisoner believed to be a child
under the age of 16 years.”
[9] Section 8 provides for a preliminary hearing. It is in terms:
“8 Preliminary hearing
(1) If the court is satisfied there are reasonable grounds for believing
the prisoner is a serious danger to the community in the absence
of a division 3 order, the court must set a date for the hearing of
the application for a division 3 order.
(2) If the court is satisfied as required under subsection (1), it may
make—
(a) an order that the prisoner undergo examinations by 2
psychiatrists named by the court who are to prepare
independent reports; and
(b) if the court is satisfied the application may not be finally
decided until after the prisoner’s release day –
(i) an order that the prisoner’s release from custody be
supervised; or
(ii) an order that the prisoner be detained in custody for
the period stated in the order.”
[10] The term “prisoner”, as used in s 8 is defined differently to the definition in s 5(6). In s 8,
the term “prisoner” has the same meaning as that defined for the purposes of the
Corrective Services Act 2006.2 The distinction is, though, not relevant here.3
[11] Section 8 introduces the notion of “serious danger to the community”. This term is
defined in s 13 which is the pivotal section in Division 3 of Part 2. Section 13 is in these
terms:
“13 Division 3 orders
(1) This section applies if, on the hearing of an application for a
division 3 order, the court is satisfied the prisoner is a serious
danger to the community in the absence of a division 3 order (a
serious danger to the community).
(2) A prisoner is a serious danger to the community as mentioned in
subsection (1) if there is an unacceptable risk that the prisoner
will commit a serious sexual offence—
(a) if the prisoner is released from custody; or
2 Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offences) Act 2003 (Qld) s 2 and the dictionary which is the Schedule to the Act.
3 See Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Newman [2018] QSC 156.
-- 4 of 42 --
5
(b) if the prisoner is released from custody without a
supervision order being made.
(3) On hearing the application, the court may decide that it is
satisfied as required under subsection (1) only if it is
satisfied—
(a) by acceptable, cogent evidence; and
(b) to a high degree of probability;
that the evidence is of sufficient weight to justify the decision.
(4) In deciding whether a prisoner is a serious danger to the
community as mentioned in subsection (1), the court must have
regard to the following—
(aa) any report produced under section 8A;
(a) the reports prepared by the psychiatrists under section 11
and the extent to which the prisoner cooperated in the
examinations by the psychiatrists;
(b) any other medical, psychiatric, psychological or other
assessment relating to the prisoner;
(c) information indicating whether or not there is a
propensity on the part of the prisoner to commit serious
sexual offences in the future;
(d) whether or not there is any pattern of offending behaviour
on the part of the prisoner;
(e) efforts by the prisoner to address the cause or causes of
the prisoner’s offending behaviour, including whether
the prisoner participated in rehabilitation programs;
(f) whether or not the prisoner’s participation in
rehabilitation programs has had a positive effect on the
prisoner;
(g) the prisoner’s antecedents and criminal history;
(h) the risk that the prisoner will commit another serious
sexual offence if released into the community;
(i) the need to protect members of the community from that
risk;
(j) any other relevant matter.
(5) If the court is satisfied as required under subsection (1), the court
may order—
(a) that the prisoner be detained in custody for an indefinite
term for control, care or treatment (continuing detention
order); or
-- 5 of 42 --
6
(b) that the prisoner be released from custody subject to the
requirements it considers appropriate that are stated in the
order (supervision order).
(6) In deciding whether to make an order under subsection (5)(a) or
(b)—
(a) the paramount consideration is to be the need to ensure
adequate protection of the community; and
(b) the court must consider whether –
(i) adequate protection of the community can be
reasonably and practicably managed by a
supervision order; and
(ii) requirements under section 16 can be reasonably and
practicably managed by Corrective Services
officers.
(7) The Attorney-General has the onus of proving that a prisoner is
a serious danger to the community as mentioned in
subsection (1).”
[12] Orders which can be made under s 8 include orders that a prisoner undergo psychiatric
examination. The evidence so obtained is then relied upon by the Attorney-General on
the application brought under s 13. Relevant to examinations ordered under s 8, are ss 11
and 12 which are in these terms:
“11 Preparation of psychiatric report
(1) Each psychiatrist examining the prisoner must prepare a report
under this section.
(2) The report must indicate—
(a) the psychiatrist’s assessment of the level of risk that the
prisoner will commit another serious sexual offence—
(i) if released from custody; or
(ii) if released from custody without a supervision order
being made; and
(b) the reasons for the psychiatrist’s assessment.
(3) For the purposes of preparing the report, the chief executive
must give each psychiatrist any medical, psychiatric, prison or
other relevant report or information in relation to the prisoner in
the chief executive’s possession or to which the chief executive
has, or may be given, access.
(4) A person in possession of a report or information mentioned in
subsection (3) must give a copy of the report or the information
to the chief executive if asked by the chief executive.
-- 6 of 42 --
7
(5) Subsection (4) authorises and requires the person to give the
report or information despite any other law to the contrary or any
duty of confidentiality attaching to the report.
(6) If a person required to give a report or information under
subsection (4) refuses to give the report or information, the chief
executive may apply to the court for an order requiring the
person to give the report or information to the chief executive.
(7) A person giving a report or information under subsection (4) or
(6) is not liable, civilly, criminally or under an administrative
process, for giving the report or information.
(8) Each psychiatrist must have regard to each report or the
information given to the psychiatrists under subsection (3).
(9) Each psychiatrist must prepare a report even if the prisoner does
not cooperate; or does not cooperate fully, in the examination.
12 Psychiatric reports to be given to the Attorney-General and the
prisoner
(1) Each psychiatrist must give a copy of the psychiatrist’s report to
the Attorney-General within 7 days after finalising the report.
(2) The Attorney-General must give a copy of each report to the
prisoner on the next business day after the Attorney-General
receives the report.”
[13] Section 16 deals with the contents of supervision orders:
“16 Requirements for orders
(1) If the court or a relevant appeal court orders that a prisoner’s
release from custody be supervised under a supervision order or
interim supervision order, the order must contain requirements
that the prisoner—
(a) report to a Corrective Services officer at the place, and
within the time, stated in the order and advise the officer
of the prisoner’s current name and address; and
(b) report to, and receive visits from, a Corrective Services
officer as directed by the court or a relevant appeal court;
and
(c) notify a Corrective Services officer of every change of
the prisoner’s name, place of residence or employment at
least 2 business days before the change happens; and
(d) be under the supervision of a Corrective Services officer;
and
(da) comply with a curfew direction or monitoring direction;
and
-- 7 of 42 --
8
(daa) comply with any reasonable direction under section 16B
given to the prisoner; and
(db) comply with every reasonable direction of a Corrective
Services officer that is not directly inconsistent with a
requirement of the order; and
Example: If the only requirement under subsection
(2) contained in a particular order is that the released
prisoner must live at least 1km from any school—
1 A proposed direction to the prisoner would be
directly inconsistent if it requires the released
prisoner to live at least 2km from any school.
2 A proposed direction to the prisoner would not
be directly inconsistent if it requires the
released prisoner to live at least a stated
distance from something else, including, for
example, children’s playgrounds, public
parks, education and care service premises or
QEC service premises.
3 A proposed direction to the prisoner would not
be directly inconsistent if it requires the
released prisoner not to live anywhere unless
that place has been approved by a Corrective
Services officer.
(e) not leave or stay out of Queensland without the
permission of a Corrective Services officer; and
(f) not commit an offence of a sexual nature during the
period of the order.
(2) The order may contain any other requirement the court or a
relevant appeal court considers appropriate—
(a) to ensure adequate protection of the community; or
Example:
• a requirement that the prisoner must not
knowingly reside with a convicted sexual
offender
• a requirement that the prisoner must not,
without reasonable excuse, be within 200m of
a school
• a requirement that the prisoner must wear a
device for monitoring the prisoner’s location
(b) for the prisoner’s rehabilitation or care or treatment.”
-- 8 of 42 --
9
[14] Section 13A deals with fixing the term of the supervision order. Section 13A provides:
“13A Fixing of period of supervision order
(1) If the court makes a supervision order, the order must state
the period for which it is to have effect.
(2) In fixing the period, the court must not have regard to
whether or not the prisoner may become the subject of—
(a) an application for a further supervision order; or
(b) a further supervision order.
(3) The period cannot end before 5 years after the making of
the order or the end of the prisoner’s period of
imprisonment, whichever is the later.”
History
[15] The respondent was born on 11 October 1958. He is now sixty years of age. While he
was maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with his daughter the respondent was
aged between forty-six and fifty. One of three children to an alcoholic father, the
respondent had a difficult upbringing.4
[16] The respondent’s first criminal conviction occurred in the District Court at Brisbane on
17 July 1981. The respondent was then twenty-two years of age. He pleaded guilty to
nine offences of indecent dealing with a child under fourteen years. There were two
victims on that occassion, one a boy and one a girl. They were both only about two years
of age at the time the respondent indecently dealt with them. He was sentenced to nine
months imprisonment.
[17] In 1985, the respondent was convicted in the Brisbane Magistrates Court of one count of
wilful damage and the only order made by the Court was that he make restitution in the
sum of $153.00. That conviction is not relevant to the present proceedings.
[18] In 1994, the respondent was convicted in the Brisbane Magistrates Court of a charge of
behaving in an indecent manner. He masturbated in a public toilet while hoping to meet
up with homosexual men who might be seeking sexual contact. He was fined. The
conviction is relevant as it forms part of a body of evidence concerning the respondent’s
homosexual activities. The psychiatrists considered this aspect in some detail in their
reports.
[19] The index offences to which the respondent pleaded guilty in 2009 were:
(i) maintaining a sexual relationship with his daughter;5
(ii) four counts of raping his daughter;6 and
(iii) indecent treatment of his daughter by taking an indecent photograph of her.7
4 Dr Beech’s report 19 December 2018 page 3.
5 Criminal Code s 229B.
6 Criminal Code s 349.
7 Criminal Code s 210(1)(e), (3)-(4).
-- 9 of 42 --
10
[20] The respondent and the child’s mother, who had cohabitated, had separated by the time
the offences were committed. Parenting arrangements gave the respondent access to his
daughter. It was during these access periods that the offending occurred.
[21] The count of maintaining a sexual relationship occurred over a period of about four years
commencing when the child was about five years of age and concluding when she was
about nine. The counts of rape consisted of penetration of the child’s vagina with the
respondent’s penis, fingers and tongue. The counts of rape were particulars of the
maintaining count which encompassed other non-specifically charged acts including
exposing the child to indecent images.
[22] The count of indecent treatment particularised as the taking of an indecent photograph of
her, occurred some years before the respondent maintained a sexual relationship with the
child. She was less than twelve months old when the respondent took two close up
photographs of her vagina.
[23] At the time of his plea to the index offences the respondent also pleaded guilty to one
count of being in possession of child exploitation material. That offending came to light
when police searched the respondent’s residence and located torn pages of a magazine
showing images of naked children.
[24] On 9 April 2009, the respondent was sentenced to an effective head sentence of eleven
years imprisonment with 398 days pre-sentence custody declared as time served on that
sentence. His full time release date is 7 March 2019.
[25] While in prison, the respondent undertook treatment and completed various courses
designed for his rehabilitation, including a High Intensity Sexual Offender’s Program
(HISOP). In order to complete the HISOP the respondent completed 353 hours of
treatment across 123 sessions over a period between 17 July 2017 and 29 August 2018.8
[26] The exit report for the HISOP is not completely favourable to the respondent. In
particular, it was reported that he was sometimes hostile, aggressive and showed a
resistance to explore his offending behaviour. That said, he completed the program. He
was reported as showing some insight into his offending behaviour and, during his
completion of the program his brother emerged as a significant and positive source of
support.
[27] In conclusion, the facilitators of the HISOP reported:
“It is considered that [the respondent] made intellectual gains throughout his
time in treatment, specifically pertaining to an increased intellectual
understanding of emotions, empathy, grooming, and his offending pathway.
Consequently, it is considered to be of significant importance that any
supervision orders that [the respondent] may be subject to in the future be
aware of his outstanding treatment needs and capacity to impression manage
and manipulate. Furthermore, pertinent warning signs indicative of
reoffending that should be monitored include increased engagement in
avoidant behaviours to manage increased sex drive; mainly risk
8 Affidavit of Katherine McKinnon CFI 10 exhibits page 18.
-- 10 of 42 --
11
taking/adrenaline seeking behaviour (e.g., parachuting) and excessive
exercise.”9
[28] The HISOP is a group therapy program. In January 2019, the respondent commenced
treatment with Dr Lars Madsen, a psychologist who specialises in the treatment of high
risk, violent and sexually violent offenders.10 Dr Madsen has engaged with the
respondent in one on one psychological treatment.
The real issues
[29] The respondent is clearly a “prisoner” for the purposes of s 13 of the DPSOA. He
concedes (properly) that he is a serious danger to the community in the absence of an
order. The general opinion of the three psychiatrists is that the respondent’s risk can be
managed on a supervision order. The applicant does not press for a continuing detention
order. That stance is, on the evidence, sensible and appropriate.
[30] The real issues became:
(i) the length of the period of supervision; and
(ii) the terms of some of the conditions of the supervision order.
[31] The applicant submits that the supervision order should be for a period of ten years
whereas the respondent submits five.
[32] The conditions which are in dispute are requirements 14, 17, 18 and 38 of the draft
supervision order which became exhibit 3 before me. The numbering of requirement 38
has changed in the final order. It is now requirement 35. I have though in these reasons
referred to it as requirement 38, as that is how it is referred to in the evidence.
[33] Proposed condition 14 is:
“14. not reside at a place by way of short term accommodation, including
overnight stays, without the permission of a Corrective Services
officer;”
[34] The respondent submits that condition 14 should read as follows:
“14. Not reside at a place by way of short term accommodation including
overnight stays without the permission of a Corrective Services Officer
except the respondent does not require the permission of a Corrective
Services Officer after six months of the Order has expired.”11
[35] The applicant proposes requirement 17 in these terms:
“17. Disclose to a Corrective Services officer the name of each person with
whom he associates and respond truthfully to requests for information
from a Corrective Services officer about the nature of the association,
address of the associate if known, the activities undertaken and
9 Affidavit of Katherine McKinnon CFI 10 exhibits page 20.
10 Transcript 1-35.
11 A document titled, “Requirements that remain in dispute between the parties” dated 18 February 2019, exhibit
2.
-- 11 of 42 --
12
whether the associate has knowledge of his prior offending
behaviour.”
[36] The respondent submits it should read as follows:
“17. Disclose to a Corrective Services Officer the name of each person with
whom he associates, when actively socialising outside the work
environment in a domestic setting, and who has children under 16
years of age or who is likely to be in contact with children who are
under 16 years of age and respond truthfully to requests for
information from a Corrective Services Officer about the nature of the
association, address of the associate’s name, the activities undertaken
and whether the associate has knowledge of his prior offending
behaviour.”12
[37] Requirement 18 as proposed by the applicant is:
“18. Submit to and discuss with a Corrective Services officer a schedule of
his planned and proposed activities on a weekly basis or as otherwise
directed.”
[38] The respondent submits that requirement 18 is unnecessary given requirement 7 which is
one of the conditions mandated by s 16 of the DPSOA13 and is in these terms:
“7. comply with every reasonable direction of a Corrective Services
officer that is not directly inconsistent with a requirement of this
order;”
[39] Proposed condition 38 is in these terms:
“38. not access pornographic images on a computer or on the internet or
purchase or obtain pornographic material in any other format without
the prior written approval of a Corrective Services officer in
consultation with the treating psychiatrist or psychologist;”
[40] The respondent submits that requirement 38 should not be included in the supervision
order. Opposition to the requirement is raised on the basis that the access to pornography
in a controlled way must have therapeutic value and requirement 38 in its present form
may be too restrictive.
[41] During the hearing, the respondent raised concerns about requirements 32 and 36. They
are in these terms:
“32. supply to a Corrective Services officer any password or other access
code known to him to permit access to such computer or other device
or content accessible through such computer or other device and allow
any device where the internet is accessible to be randomly examined
using a data exploitation tool to extract digital information or any other
recognised forensic examination process;
12 A document titled, “Requirements that remain in dispute between the parties” dated 18 February 2019, exhibit
2.
13 Section 16(1)(db).
-- 12 of 42 --
13
…
36. allow any other device including a telephone or camera to be
randomly examined. If applicable, account details and/or phone bills
are to be provided upon request of a Corrective Services officer;”
[42] The respondent did not object to the substance or intent of requirements 32 and 36. It
was submitted that the requirements ought to be amended to protect legitimate claims to
legal professional privilege over electronic communications between the respondent and
his solicitors. After the hearing of the application I was informed that arrangements can
and will be made for communication between the respondent and his legal advisors
without the use of electronic devices and so no amendment of requirements 32 or 36 is
now sought.
[43] Requirements 32 and 36 are otherwise appropriate.
Treatment by Dr Madsen
[44] Mr Madsen has completed four treatment sessions with the respondent where various
issues have been addressed. Dr Madsen found the respondent cooperative both during
the sessions and by the completion of tasks which Dr Madsen had set for the respondent
to complete between sessions.
[45] Dr Madsen opines that:
(i) the respondent has shown insight into his past offending and understands the risk
factors for reoffending;
(ii) the respondent has benefited from the completion of the HISOP. Dr Madsen noted
in particular that the respondent did not minimise or otherwise attempt to justify his
past offending and showed an understanding of how his risk factors could be
managed;
(iii) the respondent’s risk factors could be managed through counselling which Dr
Madsen is prepared to provide;14 and
(iv) even though he has not conducted a risk assessment of the respondent, Dr Madsen
is confident that the respondent’s risk of sexually reoffending will be lowered by
counselling;15
The Psychiatrists’ evidence
Diagnoses
[46] Dr Harden diagnosed the respondent as “Paedophilia Non-Exclusive, preference for
females, Mixed Personality Disorder – Avoidant, Obsessive, Compulsive and System
Personality features.”16
[47] Dr Sundin diagnosed “Paedophilic Disorder, non-exclusive type, sexually attracted to
both males and females, not limited to incest, Exhibitionistic Disorder-sexually aroused
14 Report of Dr Madsen 14 February 2019 exhibited to the Affidavit of Terence Patrick O’Gorman sworn 18
February 2019 and filed by leave.
15 Transcript 1-37.
16 Dr Harden’s report exhibit 6 page 17.
-- 13 of 42 --
14
by exposure of genitals to pre-pubertal children, Mixed Personality Disorder-avoidant,
and paranoid personality traits.”17
Risk
[48] Dr Beech diagnosed “Non-Specific Personality Disorder with avoidant traits,
dysfunctional adult relationships, and unmet psychological and emotional needs,
Paedophilia, Exhibitionism (in the 1981 offending episode).”18
[49] Dr Harden is his report described risk as:
“The calculation of the risk of sexual recidivism is a complex issue in this
man. The static variables suggest that the risk is in the average range,
however this is due to him turning 60 and relies on assumptions about age-
related decline in sexual interest. I think this is less predictable in people
with deviant sexual arousal. As well as this, incest type offenders tend to
have lower recidivism rates than other individuals who sexually abuse
children.
The dynamic variables as opposed to the static calculations suggest that there
are really significant ongoing treatment needs that suggest that the risk is
higher than the average range until these needs are addressed in treatment
and he is safely transitioned to pro social structures in the community.
Given all this his ongoing unmodified risk of sexual re-offence in the
community in my opinion is most likely in the Average to Above Average
(Moderate to Moderate-High) range.
His greatest risk factors are his institutionalization, paedophilia and
personality disorder.
If he were to be placed on a supervision order in the community this risk will
reduce to Below Average (Low – Moderate).”19
[50] In cross-examination by Mr Ryan for the respondent, Dr Harden opined that it was likely
that the respondent would comply with the supervision regime20 and, “… there’s a
reasonably good chance that he might utilise therapy well.”21
[51] Dr Sundin applied various actuarial risk assessment instruments which indicated the
respondent’s risk of future sexual recidivism as “moderate to low.”22 She expressed a
number of concerns both in her report and in her evidence before me:
(a) there was a twenty year gap between two separate episodes of serious sexual
offending. In her oral evidence Dr Sundin explained the significance of this:
17 Dr Sundin’s report 4 September 2018 exhibit 4 page 25.
18 Dr Beech’s report 19 December 2018 exhibit 7 page 17.
19 Dr Harden’s report 31 January 2019 exhibit 6 pages 17-18.
20 Transcript 1-32.
21 Transcript 1-33.
22 Dr Sundin’s report 4 September 2018 exhibit 4 page 36.
-- 14 of 42 --
15
(i) firstly, the research shows that the younger a person is when they commit
their first serious sexual offences, the greater their long term risk of
reoffending;23 and
(ii) secondly, that the lengthy period between the two episodes of offending
suggests a lifelong sexual attraction to children.24
(b) in both groups of offences the respondent showed no empathy to the victims;25
(c) the respondent has little insight into his deviancy;26
(d) the respondent should not be released unconditionally, as unsupervised he would
“groom and then sexually offend against pre-pubertal children”;27 and
(e) the respondent requires ongoing therapy “to identify and deal with his deviant
sexual arousal and to help him to understand the way in which both his avoidant
and paranoid cognitions have provoked his past behavioural patterns.”28
[52] Dr Sundin did not opine that protection of the community requires the respondent to be
detained but recommended that he be released on a supervision order.29
[53] Dr Beech thought that the risk of further offending “is in the moderate range”30 and that
“a supervision order would significantly reduce the risk by limiting his contact with
children, engaging him in further rehabilitation programs, and monitoring his
activities.”31 While Dr Beech thought that the risk was likely to exist for several years,
the respondent’s age is an important factor which lessens risk.32
[54] Of particular concern to Dr Beech was what he described as the “persistence of the
offending.”33 The index offences occurred over a number of years and the 1981 charges
were committed against two victims over a significant period of time. He thought that
the offending showed “a callous disregard for the children” who were the victims of his
offending.34 Dr Beech though recommended release on a supervision order rather than a
continuing detention order.
Evidence as to the length of the period of the supervision order
[55] In her report, Dr Sundin opined that a supervision order should be in place until after the
respondent has turned seventy years of age. He has in fact just turned sixty. Dr Sundin
thought that by his seventieth birthday, the respondent’s libidinal drives should have
lowered. Dr Sundin said “I acknowledge this is a lengthy period of supervision but
consider it is warranted by the escalation of his offending and the persistence of his
sexually deviant cognitions.”35
23 Transcript 1-9.
24 Transcript 1-9.
25 Dr Sundin’s report 4 September 2018 exhibit 4 page 27.
26 Dr Sundin’s report 4 September 2018 exhibit 4 page 28.
27 Dr Sundin’s report 4 September 2018 exhibit 4 page 28.
28 Dr Sundin’s report 4 September 2018 exhibit 4 page 28.
29 Dr Sundin’s report 4 September 2018 exhibit 4 page 28.
30 Dr Beech’s report 19 December 2018 exhibit 7 page 18.
31 Dr Beech’s report 19 December 2018 exhibit 7 page 18.
32 Dr Beech’s report 19 December 2018 exhibit 7 page 18.
33 Dr Beech’s report 19 December 2018 exhibit 7 page 17.
34 Dr Beech’s report 19 December 2018 exhibit 7 page 17.
35 Dr Sundin’s report 4 September 2018 exhibit 4 page 28.
-- 15 of 42 --
16
[56] In her evidence-in-chief before me this exchange occurred:
“MR TATE: How many years should the supervision order be for?
DR SUNDIN: 10 years
HIS HONOUR: Well, can you just define what that question means? The
opinion is that he’s an unacceptable risk if released
without a supervision order now?
MR TATE: Yes, your Honour.
HIS HONOUR: That’s right? Okay. So the question then is, how long does
a supervision order need to be to provide adequate
protection of the community?
MR TATE: Yes
HIS HONOUR: So is your evidence that, in 10 years, but not before 10
years, he will be an acceptable risk not being on
supervision?
DR SUNDIN: Yes. Your Honour, we know that, if the respondent can
survive in the community for a period of five years
without offending at all, then his actuarial risk will halve.
My concern, and the reason I recommend 10 years with
this man was, the very lengthy period of time between the
two sets of offences and the escalation and the severity of
the second set of offences.
HIS HONOUR: But will that depend on – but that will depend – his risk at
the end of five years will depend upon his performance or
otherwise – good performance or otherwise on a
supervision order?
DR SUNDIN: Yes. And if he – if there are, for example, serious
breaches during that period of time and non-compliance
with the requirements of the order, in effect the risk resets
at that time.
HIS HONOUR: Right. And can I ask you this? At the moment you
recommend a supervision order on certain conditions?
DR SUNDIN: Yes.
HIS HONOUR: Okay. If he complies with that supervision order for five
years – so just assume that he does for the moment. At
the end of that five years, is he an acceptable risk without
further supervision?
DR SUNDIN: In my opinion, no.
HIS HONOUR: Why?
DR SUNDIN: Again, I go back to the earlier concerns that I expressed
that there – based on the material that we have and – and
only that, there was a period of, I think, 17 years between
-- 16 of 42 --
17
the first and second set of offences. Now, we don’t have
a lot of material as to what was going on in that time
HIS HONOUR: All right. So is your evidence that period of abstinence
means that – or leads you to believe that, if there was a
period of abstinence of five years, that would not render
him an acceptable risk because there’s been a much longer
period of abstinence in his earlier life which has then led
to repeat offending. Is that?---
DR SUNDIN: Precisely, your Honour.”36
[57] In hindsight my questions, asking Dr Sundin to consider issues “of unacceptable risk”
and “adequate protection of the community” were not the right questions. Ultimately,
they are mixed questions of fact and law and are questions for the Court. The appropriate
questions are ones asking Dr Sundin to identify when, during the life of a supervision
order risk of sexual reoffending would reduce to a point where it was considered by her
to be low. Assessments of whether risk is unacceptable or otherwise would then be done
by the Court.
[58] In cross-examination Mr Ryan of counsel, for the respondent, asked the correct questions.
This exchange occurred:
“MR RYAN: So looking, then – or doing the best one can to make an
assessment or – and it’s a prediction on your part or on
any psychiatrist’s part as to what that level of risk will be
at, say, the end of a five-year period from now. We as –
if we assume that he complies with the order – with the
requirements of the order and we assume that he continues
to engage in the treatment as actively with Dr Madsen as
he has already, would you agree that if you add to that the
ageing process, that his risk of reoffending after five years
on a supervision order with those – bearing in mind those
premises, would likely reduce down to something in the
order or about a low level?
DR SUNDIN: If all of those assumptions are proved correct, yes.
MR RYAN: And by then, if he was adhering to the requirements of the
supervision order and he’d made what you’ve described
as the transition, I suppose, through the structure of the
order into things like employment, healthier adult
relationships – or healthy adult relationships, support,
perhaps, from his brother, who, it seems, is prepared to
offer that assistance, from that point in time – or at that
point in time five years from now, even without a
supervision order – so if you take away the supervision
order, at that point in time, assuming that progress has
been made, would it not be the case that his level of risk
would really flatten out, so to be speak – that it would
36 Transcript 1-12 to 1-13.
-- 17 of 42 --
18
remain, or it would be likely to remain, at about the same
low level that it might have got to at that point?
DR SUNDIN: That’s an awful lot of assumptions, but, as I said before, if
everything that you posit go – occurs and goes well, then,
yes, his risk would be reduced to low, generally, but not
nil.
MR RYAN: But there – a residual risk you would acknowledge or say?
DR SUNDIN: He will never be no risk.
MR RYAN: Of course, conversely, if he were not to adhere to the
requirements of the supervision order over the next five
years – if he breached a requirement, for example – that
would be an indicator that his level of risk had not
diminished, in the trajectory that we’re talking about now?
DR SUNDIN: Yes, that’s correct.
MR RYAN: And his sincerity about complying with the order would
obviously become – or his lack of sincerity about
complying with the requirements of the order would
become more apparent or obvious?
DR SUNDIN: Yes”37
[59] Dr Harden said this about the length of the order:
“As he has some significant strengths including the ability to sustain long-
term employment, be relatively organised and the ability to intellectually use
therapy I would think that if he was in the community for 5 years on a
supervision order and did well that his risk of recidivism would be
significantly reduced by that time.”38
[60] This exchange occurred in evidence-in-chief:
“MR TATE: Yes. The difference, I think, between Dr Sundin and Dr
Beech and yourself, really, is set out in the
recommendations. You indicate that, from your
perspective – and I’ll come back to the caveat – but the
difference is both Dr Beech and Dr Sundin indicate a 10
year-period and you indicate a five-year period, with a
caveat. And the caveat is clearly indicated – if things go
well?
DR HARDEN: Yes.
MR TATE: Can I ask you to expand, please, on how we should
understand your advice in that particular paragraph?
DR HARDEN: Well, I think the risk of sexual recidivism will decline
substantially in – within – at the end of the five-year
37 Transcript 1-21 to 1-22.
38 Dr Harden’s report 31 January 2019 exhibit 6 page 18.
-- 18 of 42 --
19
period – if the treatment – so if his treatment and prosocial
reintegration goes well.
MR TATE: So the if things go well from a psychiatric perspective, as
opposed to whether or not he’s breaching the order and
there are contravention proceedings?
DR HARDEN: I think breaches and contraventions of the order are a sign,
generally – unless there’s some misapprehension between
the parties – are a sign that things aren’t going well. Yes.
HIS HONOUR: Can I put the question this way: assume no breach of the
order within five years, do you – would you then at this
point as you’re looking at it now but assuming that he’s –
in five years time he has successfully complied with the
supervision order, do you then say – would you be of the
opinion that from that point in time on he would be an
acceptable risk, or is there some other gloss? There has to
be some other – some other performance or some other
thing?
DR HARDEN: Your Honour, I’m hesitant to use the acceptable risk term
because I think that – that may be for the Court, really, but
I would think if he completes the five year supervision
order and complies with the provisions of the order which
include treatment then I think his risk is likely to be in the
low range at the end of that period.
HIS HONOUR: All right. Thank you.
MR TATE: Thank you, your Honour. And Doctor, just out of fairness
to ask you the alternate questions, if things did not go well
at the end of that period of time would you see the need to
seek an extension of the order?
DR HARDEN: It – yes, depending on the extent of the not going well.
MR TATE: Yeah. Well - - -?
DR HARDEN: Then I think that – that – there are too many variables to
say you – you know, you’d need to look at what the nature
of the problems were.
MR TATE: To be quite - - -?
DR HARDEN: Were they more procedural infringements of the order, or
were they, you know, really sort of serious ones that
looked like his offence pathway.
MR TATE: Yeah. Look it’s – to sum up, it’s really fair to say that if
thing go well, but you can’t guarantee that that’s going to
be the case, there are too many variables, we’ll have to,
really, reassess it towards the end of the five-year period.
And with luck, it will all will have gone well?
DR HARDEN: I think you are paraphrasing me incorrectly, Mr Tate.
-- 19 of 42 --
20
MR TATE: Then please do correct me.
DR HARDEN: If things proceed well and he complies with the
supervision order without contraventions and undertakes
treatment, I think at the end of the five years it’s likely that
his risk will fall in the low range which is the below
average range.”39
[61] In cross-examination:
“MR RYAN: Yes, thank you. Doctor, as far as this man’s concerned,
your opinion is that it’s quite likely that he will comply
with a supervision regime, given all you know about him?
DR HARDEN: Yes, his personality type – while it has predisposed to his
offending in some ways because of his avoidance and
similar – he’s quite an ordered individual who has long
periods of stable employment and similar. So I think he –
he likes structure, and I think the structure of a supervision
order will actually help him.
MR RYAN: And it’s quite likely, in your opinion, as well, that he
would make use of the psychological therapy that would
be available to him under an order?
DR HARDEN: I think the material suggests that he’s made intellectual
use at least of the material of the – what was available in
the high intensity course, and the earlier report from Dr
Madsen, I think, is favourable. So I think, yes, there’s a
reasonably good chance that he might utilise therapy well.
MR RYAN: You’ve observed in your report these as being protective
factors was well: his ability to sustain long-term
employment?
DR HARDEN: Yes.
MR RYAN: that he’s intelligent enough, as you say, to utilise the
therapy – in contrast, perhaps, to other persons who’ve
been placed on these type of orders?
DR HARDEN: Yeah.
MR RYAN: You found, did you not, in your conversations with him
that he had reasonable plans upon release for what he was
going to do?
DR HARDEN: Yes, I think he’s able to be realistic in his planning, once
he knows the parameters.
MR RYAN: And am I right in saying this – that assuming those
features are in place, that we’re assuming this occurs: that
there is no breach of the order within a five year period,
and he participates in treatment, with his ageing from 60
39 Transcript 1-29 to 1-30.
-- 20 of 42 --
21
onwards, that things then flatten out as far as that risk of
sexual reoffending is concerned for him?
DR HARDEN: I don’t think I can put it any further than what I’ve put
before, which is that I think the risk will then fall into the
low range, given those points.”40
[62] In his report of 19 December 2018, Dr Beech made no comment on the appropriate length
of the supervision order. His opinion on that topic was sought in January 2019 and in his
report of 4 February 201941 he said this:
“Although [the respondent] is now aged 60 his sexual offending history is
notable for the duration, extent and persistence of the offending. It is
exacerbated by the presence of paraphilias and what I would see as an
earlier sexual preoccupation. For those reasons, despite his age, I think that
a supervision order should be for more than five years, probably up to ten
years in duration.”
[63] In his oral evidence, Dr Beech identified various risk factors including sexual
preoccupation, sexual deviance and the respondent being a person who uses sexual means
to meet emotional difficulties.42 Then this exchange occurred:
“MR TATE: From a viewpoint of protection of the community, does
that suggest a longer order – supervision order – is more
protective than a shorter one, in this man?
DR BEECH: Well – yeah. Okay. In general, it does. In this man, it’s
difficult – difficult because, after the age of 60, you would
generally see a reduction in the risk of reoffending. There
aren’t that many people who reoffend after the age of 60
– certainly after the age of 65. The factors that – those
people who do reoffend after the age of 60 or 65 – are
people who are sexually preoccupied, and have a sexual
deviance, and have used sex to cope. There are other
factors, though, that predict it. And, certainly, things such
as psychopathy and anti-social personality disorder, or an
anti-authorian stance – something like that – would
predict it. And he doesn’t have that. So the problem in
this man is knowing how he will be when he gets out. He
shows some insight, I believe. I think he’s done well with
the program overall. He’s got some strategies. It’s a
question of how he will put those into play when he gets
out. And it’s a – I mean, it’s important to know how he
will practice the insights about avoiding children, dealing
with stress, not becoming sexually preoccupied. That all
has to be tested.
HIS HONOUR: Are those things going to become evident over five years,
if he was on a supervision order for five years?
40 Transcript 1-32 to 1-33.
41 Exhibit 8.
42 Transcript 1-47.
-- 21 of 42 --
22
DR BEECH: Yes, your Honour, that would become evident over the
five years. The difficulty is – I think he would comply
with an order. He’d – he’d be difficult. He would write
letters. He would be dismissive. He’d challenge – as he
– as the facilitators for the program point out. You know,
he’s – he writes lots of things. But I think he would
comply with the conditions of an order. The – what would
also have to happen, though, is, over those five years –
that he would need to show insight into his offending and
his risk factors. So it’s not that I think he would go to
places where there would be children – against the rules –
but that he might ask to go to places and be told, “No, you
can’t go there.” And, after a while, people think he’s just
not getting it – he doesn’t understand why we keep saying,
“No, you can’t go to these school areas. You can’t go to
these playgrounds. You can’t go to these caravan parks.”
So that he – showing insight – and also that he would
show, over the five years, that this sexual preoccupation –
which he says has diminished – is, in fact, not there, and
then that, if he was stressed by what’s going on in his life,
that he’s not resorting to going to homosexual beats and
picking up indiscriminate sexual partners. Those things
would, I think, be evident.”43
[64] Then later:
“MR TATE: And it’s probably an area that my learned friend will want
to ask some questions about, in any event. It’s in the
second paragraph, it’s the – the sentence, and I’ll read it
to you:
For those reasons, despite his age, I think that a
supervision order should be more than five years –
probably up to 10 years in duration.
Are you suggesting there a 10 year period or are you
open to a period between five and 10? I just wanted
to give you the opportunity of clarifying what you
mean?
DR BEECH Yes. I – I – I’ve – I’ve heard the – the evidence given this
morning and I have to say, in the past I felt constrained by
the bit of, you can’t say if he’s doing well then five years
is enough. So – so I would say generally, even though he
is now 60 there’s been a persistence of offending. And,
you know, it’s occurred across from his youth into his later
years, and when it did happen the first time there were two
victims. But there was a lot of offences that came out of
that. And when it happened again with his daughter, that
was what – a three or four years period, and there were
43 Transcript 1-47 to 1-48.
-- 22 of 42 --
23
multiple counts of offending. And in addition to that there
was child exploitation material and things like that. So I
think that shows an enduring paraphilia, but also enduring
– persisting acting on that paraphilia, despite having been
caught and – and treated in the past. And so I thought that,
given also the concerns about his insight from the
facilitators, his ability to put that into place, that five years
might not be enough to manage the risk44
[65] Under cross-examination, Mr Ryan pointed out to Dr Beech the various positive factors
that have emerged; in particular completion of the HISOP and the demonstration of
insight.45 Mr Ryan then turned to the topic of the respondent’s age and this exchange
occurred:
“MR RYAN: Of course you then went on – one step further, did you
not, in your evidence before and said, “Not many people
reoffend after 65”?
DR BEECH: That’s correct.
MR RYAN: And is that because there’s another drop off if you like in
diminution?
DR BEECH: No. I think it’s just trying to find studies. There aren’t
that many people over the age of 60 who offend. And it’s
really trying to collate or corral them if you like. And you
start to look at 65. There is a – it – it just continues to
decrease. And I think I struggled in earlier cases to even
find people who have offended after the after of 70.
MR RYAN: It’s very rare?
DR BEECH: It’s very rare.
MR RYAN: Pretty rare after 65?
DR BEECH: It is. And again, so when you say well, and why is that?
Well, for obvious reasons. But when you say well, but
there are people obviously who do offend after the age of
60, after the age of 65, who are these people? And – and
they’re the people who have been anti-social for a start.
But also who’ve had a sexual deviance and who have
continued to be sexually preoccupied.
MR RYAN: But in this man’s case the difference between that
category of person and [the respondent] is that, he’s
already undergone a very intensive HISOP program in
prison?
DR BEECH: Yes.
44 Transcript 1-51 to 1-52.
45 Transcript 1-52.
-- 23 of 42 --
24
MR RYAN: And it’s anticipated that under a supervision order he
would undergo – would continue to undergo
psychological treatment?
DR BEECH: Yes.
MR RYAN: Would you – you would obviously recommend that he
engage in individual psychological treatment?
DR BEECH: Yes.
MR RYAN: And were he to actively participate in that treatment over
a five year period, would you agree that his risk of
reoffending would incrementally diminish over that time?
DR BEECH: Yes.
HIS HONOUR: To what?
DR BEECH: I think he would go below low. If – well, it’s – it’s not
just engagement. Because I think he would engage. He
engaged, he said it was two years of treatment last time.
He engaged – for all the difficulties they had facilitators.
He engaged in that planning intensive sexual offender
program. But he engages, gains insight, shows that he’s
got other ways dealing with stress without becoming
sexually preoccupied. So it’s in fact he is avoiding
becoming sexually preoccupied by using other things.
Has gotten on with life generally, and shows that his
personality disorder has in fact moderated over the years,
then yes, he’s – that’s what I would see as doing well.
HIS HONOUR: Will compliance with the order evidence that? So if there
was no breach?
DR BEECH: Yes.”46
[66] A little later:
“MR RYAN: Would it not, given the aging – the operation of the ageing
factor there, at 65, which is when that five year would –
its period would expire, would it not be that that risk
would effectively bottom out and remain and continuing
risk but at a very low level?
DR BEECH: Yes. Though, I mean, the worry for me is that, he gets to
65, he’s complied with the order, but he still is a sexually
preoccupied man, always looking – asking to look at adult
pornography, has had multiple sexual partners, does –
keep on – resumed cruising, if you like, done all those
things then I would say, well, then the risks continue. But
if he gets to 65, sexual preoccupation is gone, and he’s had
stresses but he’s managed them differently, and Mr
46 Transcript 1-54.
-- 24 of 42 --
25
Madsen says, you know, there’s a lot of psychological
insights here then the risk is substantially lower.”47
[67] A later still:
“HIS HONOUR: So what’s the likelihood of this treatment being successful
in the sense of lowering the risk to low or below?
DR BEECH: The likelihood is good, your Honour, if he is – again, stays
engaged and benefits from it because the – part of the last
tranche of offending, I think, was him using that sex to
deal with the difficulties in his relationships, stresses that
he had at that time, that use of sex to cope which is
probably what was – added to the preoccupation he’s had.
So up to – if he’s been engaged in therapy then he will
have ways of dealing with stresses without having to
resort to sexual means.”48
Determination of the length of the supervision order
[68] For s 13A of the DPSOA the Court must set the period for which the supervision order is
to have effect. That determination must be made in the context of the legislative scheme
established by the DPSOA.49
[69] Section 13(6) provides, amongst other things that the Court must have regard, when
determining whether a supervision order or a continuing detention order is to be made, to
“the paramount consideration” which is “the need to ensure adequate protection of the
community.”50 Further, when considering releasing the respondent on a supervision order
the Court must consider whether “adequate protection of the community can be
reasonably and practicably managed by a supervision order.”51 By ss 13(5)(b) and 16 of
the DPSOA, the supervision order will contain requirements the “court considers
appropriate … to ensure adequate protection of the community.”
[70] For protection, what must be ensured is the protection from an unacceptable risk that the
prisoner will commit a serious sexual offence. It follows then that the supervision order
must remain in place while that risk exists.
[71] In their reports, the psychiatrists made general statements as to the length of the
supervision order. The real question though is when the respondent will cease to be an
unacceptable risk of committing a serious sexual offence. Put in another way; when will
the respondent not be an unacceptable risk even though not supervised in the community.
[72] In the end, all the psychiatrists put that point at five years from now but subject to a
caveat. That reservation is that the respondent must have complied with the supervision
order for five years and receive psychotherapy. Dr Sundin thought that an order of ten
years was appropriate, and initially said the risk would not sufficiently abate within five
47 Transcript 1-55.
48 Transcript 1-55, 1-56.
49 Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v KAH [2019] QSC 36 at [53]-[72].
50 Section 13(6)(a).
51 Section 13(6)(b)(i).
-- 25 of 42 --
26
years.52 However, in her cross-examination she said, provided the supervision order was
complied with (including obtaining treatment) the risk of sexually re-offending would
reduce to low over five years.53 Dr Beech expressed the same view under cross-
examination, indeed opining that risk might over five years reduce to below low.54 Dr
Harden in his report expressed similar views to those expressed by Dr Sundin and Dr
Beech in cross-examination.55 Dr Madsen’s opinion on the issue supports those of the
psychiatrists.56
[73] The supervision order, of course, provides for treatment.57 Dr Beech quite strongly
opined that the respondent would obey directions and would participate meaningfully in
treatment.58
[74] Assessing then the respondent’s present condition,59 and having regard to the terms of the
supervision order to be imposed I am satisfied that if the respondent complies with the
supervision order for five years (including receiving treatment) then by the fifth
anniversary of the order he will not be an unacceptable risk of committing a serious sexual
offence in the community without a supervision order.
[75] If the respondent breaches the supervision order, the order may be extended by order
under s 22 of the DPSOA.60 If the respondent’s condition after five years on supervision
is, despite the current opinions of the psychiatrists as to his current state, such that he
remains an unacceptable risk without a supervision order, then the order may be extended
under s 19B of the DPSOA. Those decisions of course, will be made at some future time
based on an assessment of the respondent’s condition and the circumstances pertaining at
that time. I am not here considering “whether or not [the respondent] may become the
subject of … an application for a further supervision order … or a further supervision
order.”61 The recognition of the legislative scheme including ss 19B and 22 of the
DPSOA does not offend s 13A(2) for the reasons I explained in Attorney-General for the
State of Queensland v KAH.62
[76] The three psychiatrists all opined that the respondent ought not for the rest of his life be
left alone with young children. The supervision order prohibits the respondent from
having contact with young children. It does not follow that the adequate protection of the
community effectively requires the respondent to be on supervision for the rest of his life.
The psychotherapy already undertaken by Dr Madsen is designed to give the respondent
insight into his offending behaviour and to learn to manage risk factors. He will, while
on supervision, and after the supervision order has expired, have to have the will to avoid
contact with young children. The question is at what point he will be able to do that
52 Transcript 1-12 to 1-13.
53 Transcript 1-21 to 1-22.
54 Transcript 1-55 to 1-56.
55 Dr Maden’s report 31 January 2018 exhibit 6 page 18.
56 Report of Dr Madsen 14 February 2019 exhibit to the Affidavit of Terence Patrick O’Gorman sworn 18
February 2019 and filed by leave.
57 Requirements 21, 22 and 23.
58 Transcript 1-54.
59 Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Kanaveilomani [2013] QCA 404, [118]-[120].
60 Attorney-General v Van Dessel [2007] 2 Qd R 1, 31; Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Foy
[2014] QSC 304, [14]; Bickle v Attorney-General [2016] 2 Qd R 523, 540.
61 Such considerations are prohibited by s 13A(2).
62 [2019] QSC 36.
-- 26 of 42 --
27
without being supervised. The evidence that I have accepted suggests that point will be
after a period of five years.
[77] I intend to set the period of the supervision order at five years.
Requirement 14
[78] Dr Sundin supported the inclusion of requirement 14 as pressed by the applicant. In
evidence-in-chief she said this:
MR TATE: “Requirement 14 currently says:
… not reside at a place by way of short-term
accommodation, including overnight stays, without the
permission of a Corrective Services officer.
Doctor, your advice?
DR SUNDIN: I think that – that clause should stay. I think that it is
important in terms of continuing to engage [the
respondent] in an ongoing conversation and discussion
with his supervising officer as to his activities and his
associates.”63
[79] In cross-examination Dr Sundin said:
“MR RYAN: Dr Sundin, is there a point in time which you would
advance as to – if we look at requirement 14 – sorry – I’ll
go back. Looking at requirement 14, is there a point in
time during the currency – or the course – of progress of a
supervision order, if there’s compliance with its
requirements, when you would see it appropriate for him
to have an overnight stay without having to tell – or
without seeking the permission of Corrective Services
officers?
DR SUNDIN: Yes. If things have been going well, you know, three to
four years in to the order, that clause could be revisited.”64
[80] Dr Harden in evidence-in-chief said this:
“MR TATE: Doctor, I won’t read them out again unless you wish me
to. If we could start from requirement 14. And again if I
could ask you to provide professional advice to the Court
on?
DR HARDEN: So this provision is to basically control where people stay
so they can’t just duck off to a motel for a couple of nights
unknown to Corrective Services and the – and evade
scrutiny. I would think any relaxation of this provision
would need to wait at least two or three years from the
time of the imposition of the supervision order.
63 Transcript 1-16.
64 Transcript 1-26.
-- 27 of 42 --
28
MR TATE: What would be your concern?
DR HARDEN: That he would duck off to short-term accommodation and
– and evade scrutiny, and that wouldn’t be appropriate at
the – at this point in his – in his rehabilitation.”65
[81] Dr Harden was not cross-examined on proposed requirement 14. No evidence was lead
from Dr Madsen in relation to requirement 14.
[82] Dr Beech on this topic in examination-in-chief said:
“MR TATE: Now, Doctor, I’m, not going to read them out, but I am
going to ask you to do the same exercise that I asked of
Dr. Harden, and Dr. Sundin, which is for you to provide
us with your clinical advice in relation to certain
requirements that are contentious. The first is 14?
DR BEECH: Yes, I think it’s important. The Corrective Services need
to be able to say where he can go from time to time for a
lot of reasons; one is, it’s about they need to be able to
make an assessment as to whether that’s a safe place, and
whether they can monitor him there. So if he were say,
“Listen, I want to go to the Pomona Caravan Park on the
school holidays.” They need to be able to say, “Well, you
can’t. Our GPS doesn’t work well in Pomona. It’s a
school holiday. There’s going to be lots of children
around. We don’t think it’s advisable.”66
[83] Dr Beech was not cross-examined in relation to requirement 14.
Determination on the issue of requirement 14
[84] There is no evidence to support the respondent’s position that requirement 14 ought only
be in force for a period of six months. The psychiatrists clearly considered requirement
14 as a necessary condition in the suite of conditions which require the respondent to
engage with, and submit to, supervision. Dr Sundin accepted that such a condition might
not be necessary for the entire duration of the supervision order. However, assessing the
present state of the respondent, I am of the view that the requirement should be in the
terms proposed by the applicant.
Requirement 17
[85] Dr Sundin gave this evidence:
“MR TATE: We then move to requirement 17:
.... disclose to a Corrective Service officer the name of
each person with whom he associates and respond
truthfully to requests of information from a Corrective
Services officer about the nature of the association,
address of the associate, if known, the activities
65 Transcript 1-30 to 1-31.
66 Transcript 1-48.
-- 28 of 42 --
29
undertaken and whether the associate has knowledge of
his prior offending behaviour.
Again, your clinical advice, please, Doctor?
DR SUNDIN: Yes. [The respondent] is historically not an opportunistic
sexual offender. His pattern has been one of grooming,
so, therefore, disclosure of people with whom he is
associating and the access that that may bring him to
children under the age of 16 is important for his QCS
officer to know.”67
[86] In cross-examination Dr Sundin said:
“MR RYAN: Looking at requirement 17, do you still have the draft
order in front of you there?
DR SUNDIN: I do.
MR RYAN: Looking at that, that creates – well, the requirement to
make disclosures to a Corrective Services officer about
people with whom he associates, obviously creates some
tension, does it not, you would agree, in the situation of
someone who then has to seek employment?
DR SUNDIN: Yes.
MR RYAN: In this case, given this man’s history of offending is not
that of someone who has in the past, opportunistically
offended against children, but rather, has occurred in the
context of a friendship with someone else, or in a family
context, would it not be appropriate – or would you accept
that it’s reasonable that the associates in respect of whom
he must make the disclosure could be narrowed down to,
firstly, people with whom he has regular social contract
and who have children under the age of 16, as one group?
DR SUNDIN: The difficulty with the language you’re using there, Mr
Ryan, is, how does one define regular, and when does one
know it’s regular?
HIS HONOUR: Well, we’ll approach it this way: don’t worry so much
about the way in which an order might be. Let’s just look
at it from the level – from the aspect of concern and risk,
which is your expertise?
DR SUNDIN: Yes.
HIS HONOUR: So what Mr Ryan’s suggesting to you is that the concern,
which is being addressed by orders such as 17, is to restrict
access to persons with children, rather than just to restrict
access, generally, to the community?
DR SUNDIN: Yes.
67 Transcript 1-16.
-- 29 of 42 --
30
HIS HONOUR: That’s the point being made. Now, he’s right about that,
isn’t he?
DR SUNDIN: Yes. And it’s restricting access to persons with children
or grandchildren.
HIS HONOUR: Yes?
DR SUNDIN: Yes. Given that he’s now 60, his peer-group is likely to be
grandparents.
HIS HONOUR: All right?
DR SUNDIN: And restricting access to people who might seek to engage
him as a, you know, babysitter, that sort of thing.”68
[87] Dr Harden in evidence-in-chief said this:
“MR TATE: Thank you. Moving to 17.
DR HARDEN: Yes. This is an important provision in terms of –
particularly with the – people with the offending history
of [the respondent] because of the grooming of parents or
caregivers. So – and you want to know is he associating
with people who have the care of children or who can
provide access to children.
MR TATE: All right. So obviously, you consider it should stay in the
current format?
DR HARDEN: I consider it should stay, yes.”69
[88] Under cross-examination Dr Harden said this:
“MR RYAN: Looking at the – the conditions, or the requirements, that
you’ve been taken through a moment ago, is the concern
– am I right in saying this: that the concern that you have
behind the necessity for condition, or requirement 17, is
that he would engage, or might engage, in social contact
with people who have children, or have contact with
children under 16 years of age?
DR HARDEN: Yes.”70
[89] Dr Madsen was not asked in-chief about proposed condition 17 and understandably, the
topic was not raised in his cross-examination.
[90] Dr Beech did express a view:
“MR TATE: Moving to requirement 17?
DR BEECH: Yes, and again, they need to know whom he’s seeing so
that they can monitor and supervise him.
68 Transcript 1-23 to 1-24.
69 Transcript 1-31.
70 Transcript 1-33.
-- 30 of 42 --
31
MR TATE: Now there seems to be a potential for some confusion. My
understanding of that condition, from a clinical viewpoint,
is that he’s required to disclose to Corrective Services –
full stop- there’s no further requirement that he tell other
people, it’s really just informing Corrective Services?
DR BEECH: No there sometimes is a – another condition which says
that, ‘Disclose to people as directed by Corrective
Services’. But that’s not -
MR TATE: But that’s not this condition?
DR BEECH: No, this one just says he disclose to Corrective Services
the people he associates with, and truthfully.
MR TATE: And you consider that important?
DR BEECH: Yes, because again, it is about making sure that he –
monitoring his – you know whom he’s seeing, and you
monitor his contact with children, and the only way you’re
going to know that is to know whom he’s associating
with.”71
[91] In cross-examination:
“MR RYAN: Now, requirement 17 is your concern about his association
with people who have children under the age of 16 or
grandchildren under the age of 16
DR BEECH: Yes
MR RYAN: That he’s associating with?
DR BEECH: Yes.”72
Determination in relation to proposed requirement 17
[92] The psychiatrists emphasised the need to monitor the respondent and requirement 17 is a
way of doing so. As the psychiatrists explained though, the risk which is being managed
is the risk of contact with children. There is a reasonable argument raised by the
respondent that the only contact by the respondent with “associates” relevant to the
question of risk is contact with those associates who have the care of children.
[93] For the supervision order to be properly managed, Corrective Services must be able to
ascertain whether the associates with whom the respondent is having contact do or do not
have the care of children. The requirement in the form proposed by the applicant is
appropriate and ought to be contained in the supervision order.
[94] Having said that, it is also appropriate to note that Corrective Services must be discreet
in the use of information they obtain under requirements like requirement 17. Experience
is that citizens who have committed offences like those committed by the respondent are
shunned. Their social opportunities are restricted as are their employment opportunities
71 Transcript 1-48 to 1-49.
72 Transcript 1-56.
-- 31 of 42 --
32
and of course, there are examples of sex offenders being released into the community by
lawful orders of the Court only to be mercilessly pursued and vilified by the media.
Unless disclosure of particulars of the respondent’s offending is necessary in the
management of risk that disclosure ought not be made.
Requirement 18
[95] Dr Sundin in evidence-in-chief said this:
“MR TATE: Thank you. The next is requirement 18, which reads:
… submit to and discuss with a Corrective Services officer
a schedule of his planned and proposed activities on a
weekly basis or as otherwise directed.
DR SUNDIN: Again, I would see that as being an important part of [the
respondent’s] process of engagement and trying to
discourage him from a previous avoidant coping pattern
and encouraging him to engage in more open discussion
of such issues so that he is forward-thinking and managing
– engaged in managing his own risk as well.”73
[96] Under cross-examination she was asked no questions about requirement 18.
[97] Dr Harden in evidence-in-chief said this:
“MR TATE: We then move to 18?
DR HARDEN: Eighteen is important because it’s – I mean, 18 is a tool
partly of the supervision process but as – unlike provision
17, 18 is prospective, so it’s a: sitting down, and outlining
the proposed activities for the week to the supervising
staff, which aids in the supervising being able to consider
what may, or may not, be risk issues, and also – from their
point of view – things they may want to utilise
surveillance, or other activities on.”74
[98] In cross-examination he said this:
“MR RYAN: In relation to requirement 18, do you see any necessity for
him to actually write out and submit something in a
written form, as far as any advanced – or his – his plans,
or proposed activities are concerned? Or is it sufficient
that he simply discloses those to his supervisor?
DR HARDEN: I mean, I don’t think the condition, as written, says
‘written’. It says, ‘submit to and discuss with a schedule’.
So I don’t think it specifies that it has to be written.
MR RYAN: All right. And you wouldn’t see a need for that anyway?
73 Transcript 1-16.
74 Transcript 1-31.
-- 32 of 42 --
33
DR HARDEN: Not necessarily, no. I think he needs to give his
supervising staff a reasonably clear idea, though, of what
he’s planning to do that week and where he’s planning to
be.”75
[99] Dr Madsen was not asked questions about proposed condition 18.
[100] Dr Beech said this in evidence-in-chief:
“MR TATE: Requirement 18?
DR BEECH: Yes, and again, that works two ways: first of all, the
concern of facilitators after 353 hours, I think, of treatment
was that they weren’t sure that he had insight into his risk
and good strategies to manage them. So he – if he then
says to the Corrective Services officer, “This week I plan
to do ‘this’, ‘this’, and ‘this’.” Then they would be able
to say, “Well, that last one’s actually quite risky when you
think about it. What strategies have you got in place for
that?” But also they can then monitor him and say,
“Listen, well we – you said this was what you were going
to do, but when we checked on it, in fact, you didn’t go
there, you were going somewhere else. So what’s
happened there?” So it’s about – it’s about him being
able to discuss his risks, and managing them, but also then
to be able to supervise him.”76
[101] That evidence was not challenged in cross-examination.
Determination in relation to requirement 18
[102] Mr Ryan submitted that requirement 18 was unnecessary because of requirement 7.
Perhaps that is strictly true in that a direction could be given by a Corrective Services
officer under requirement 7 in the terms of requirement 18. However, the psychiatrists
opined that the delivery of a schedule of plans and proposed activities is an appropriate
management tool and in these circumstances it is desirable that it be expressed in the order
and appear as condition 18.
Proposed requirement 38
[103] Dr Sundin’s evidence-in-chief on this topic was:
“MR TATE: Doctor, if I can ask you to skip through now to
requirement 38?
…not access pornographic images on a computer or on
the internet, or purchase or obtain pornographic
material in any other format without the prior written
approval of a Corrective Services officer in consultation
with the treating psychiatric or psychologist.
75 Transcript 1-33.
76 Transcript 1-49.
-- 33 of 42 --
34
Again, Doctor, your clinical advice?
DR SUNDIN: Yes, I think it’s very important that issues around access
of pornography be the subject of – well, it – it will be the
subject of discussion with his treating psychiatrist or
psychologist. It – accessing pornography and exposing
victims to pornography was part of his second tranche of
offending, so it will be a focus of therapy and will be
something that his clinical psychologist may need to flag
if there’s any ri – evidence of rising sexual pre-occupation
and flag it with his QCS officer. So it’s important that
that’s in there.”77
[104] Dr Sundin was cross-examined on this issue. She said:
“MR RYAN: Just in relation to the issue of requirement 38 – that you’ve
touched upon earlier – concerning the access to
pornography, am I correct in understanding it this way –
that you consider it best to leave it to the – to his treating
psychiatrist – or the person who he’s individually
consulting as a psychologist – as to the approval of access
to pornography?
DR SUNDIN: Yes.
MR RYAN: So it doesn’t, in your opinion, need to – there doesn’t need
to then, on that assessment of things, as far as you’re
concerned, require him to go then through a second person
– namely, a Corrective Services officer – and get that
approval?
DR SUNDIN: Well, I think that the term of the clause is “in
consultation”. So, as often happens with these orders,
there’s a reciprocity – a relationship between the clinician
and the supervising officers, given that the clinician is
trying to address individual treatment needs and the
supervising officers are addressing risk – hence the need
for consultation. And, if the treating psychologist
becomes concerned about rising sexual preoccupation, it
would then be necessary for them to involve the CSO.”78
[105] Dr Harden on this topic said:
“MR TATE: Yes, I understand. As with Dr. Sundin, if we can jump
now, please, to 38?
DR HARDEN: Now – yes Mr Tate, the 38, in its current form, I don’t
agree with. I don’t think that access of pornography is
necessarily an issue, and I think it should only be limited
on the advice of his treating practitioner. So the – I would
77 Transcript 1-17.
78 Transcript 1-26.
-- 34 of 42 --
35
suggest a reverse of the onus in – in that clause if it’s to
stay.
MR TATE: All right. And that might be – if directed not to do that –
the inclusion of words, ‘in an appropriate spot’ if directed
not to do so by Corrective Services?
DR HARDEN: It might also fall under a reasonable direction or
something similar, if the treating practitioner – probably
Dr Madsen – says, “Look, there’s signs of sexual pre-
occ.” Because access to, what I may call ‘normal’
pornography, so it might be an appropriate part of [the
respondent’s] treatment at various points. Or it might be a
sign of sexual pre-occupation, and should be cut back.”79
[106] Dr Harden was not cross-examined on requirement 38. Dr Madsen gave this in evidence-
in-chief:
“MR TATE: One of the requirements of the order that proposed, there’s
a requirement – and this is requirement number 38 – that
deals with the issue of his having access to adult
pornography. As a clinician, dealing with him on a
regular basis, how would you see that that – what would
be your – the way in which that would operate – or your
concerns about how his access to adult pornography
would operate, as far as his treatment is concerned?
DR MADSEN: Okay. One of the issues that I identified within the work
that I did – have done with [the respondent], is that he has
a tendency to experience sexual preoccupation. What that
means is that he’ll experience times where he becomes
very overwhelmed with sexual thoughts, feelings and
urges – they will become very intense – and at those times
his decision-making can, perhaps, be a little bit skew-
whiff. So in treatment – in clinical treatment with him
over time, I would assist him to try and work with
understand when he experiences these kinds of problems
and help him deal with it in different ways. So they use
of pornography would be one of the – the obsessive use of
pornography – so we’re talking about looking at this
material and mastur – masturbating to it multiple times a
day – that would be problematic if that were to be
happening. And I would be concerned about it and look
to intervene with him to say, “well, this is really not a –
this is not healthy, not good for you, we need to figure out
other ways of doing it.” However, in saying that – I mean,
one of the things that [the respondent] has also struggled
with is sexual interest in young girls, in particular. And
one of the treatments that – that – that – one of the
psychological treatments that we try to use with
79 Transcript 1-31.
-- 35 of 42 --
36
individuals who have this kind of – kind of problem, is we
get them to, sort of, associate fantasies, thoughts, sexual
feelings about children to negative things, to things that,
in a sense, are un-sexually arousing. And what we are
trying to do is strengthen the appropriate sexual interests
towards consenting adults, adult partners, that type of
thing. So pornography, in that kind of context, is often
very useful, as a way of assisting someone strengthen
appropriate and healthy sexual interest. So to answer your
question, using pornography with [the respondent] would
be a process of trying to help him understand when his use
of that becomes problematic for him and to reduce it and
figure out what’s going on for him. But also, trying to use
that material, when he does use it, in ways that actually
strengthens healthy and appropriate sexual interests that
he might have.”80
[107] Dr Madsen was not cross-examined on that topic.
[108] Dr Beech gave this evidence-in-chief:
“MR TATE: Can I you now to move to requirement 38?
DR BEECH: Thirty-eight?
MR TATE: Yes, and I think you were present when Dr Madsen was
talking about -?
DR BEECH: Yes.
MR TATE: - how pornography might be useful as part of the treatment
regime. Before I actually ask you to comment on 38,
could I ask you, please from a clinical perspective, to give
us your advice about when and how adult pornography
might be of assistance in the treatment of these people?
DR BEECH: Of assistance – you – he could use it as part of a
masturbatory desensitisation or movement from be –
focusing on adult sex – sex with adults, rather than
children. So it can be a therapeutic tool. He described to
me that the psychological counselling he had after 1981
offences, that sounded like something like that. So – and
I heard Dr Madsen say that might be a way that he would
manage deviant sexual urges or thoughts, so that might be
appropriate as a therapeutic tool.
MR TATE: And the reverse?
DR BEECH: Look, the worry is that – well, I think there’s part of me
that says, “Well, given that he told me that his sexual urges
had reduced, and he wasn’t chiefly sexually preoccupied,”
he’s now become concerned about one of the conditions,
80 Transcript 1-37 to 1-38.
-- 36 of 42 --
37
which is his right, but you just think, “Well, why is now
concerned about this, when it wasn’t going to be so much
of a problem for him anyway?” But you know, if he does
want to access adult pornography, that’s fine. It’s just that
if it then seems that he’s become sexually preoccupied,
and he’s using that to cope with some difficulties in his
life, then becoming sexually preoccupied, and using sex
to cope like that, just generally raises your risk that you’re
then going to act on deviant urges as well. So if I were to
change this, it would be something along the lines of,
‘Cease accessing pornographic images as directed in
consultation with a treating psychologist’. So if Dr
Madsen says, “He needs to stop doing this,” then
Corrective Services will say, “[indistinct] fine. We’re
going to direct you to stop doing this.”
MR TATE: And that is built on the assumption that it must be accepted
that Dr Madsen, or some other treating clinician, is free to
give that information to Corrective Services?
DR BEECH: Yes, but I think that comes under other conditions about
where there’s access to [indistinct]. Treatment providers
would be able to talk to them, and if they – but if they
access his computer or phone and say, “Well there’s a
whole lot of adult pornography, and this has – really has
flourished, if you like, over the past month.” We’d tell Dr
Madsen, and Mr Madsen says, “Listen, he needs to stop
this because he’s just getting sexually preoccupied again,
and we need to deal with the underlying stressor.” Then
they would say, “Well, you stop doing this now, until Dr
Madsen says you can resume it.”
MR TATE: Thank you
DR BEECH: That’s how I would do it, rather than saying, “Don’t
access it”.”81
[109] In cross-examination Dr Beech said:
“MR RYAN: Can I – I think you’ve answered, perhaps, the inquiry that
I was going to ask you about, condition thirty – or
requirement 38 in the answers that you gave my learned
friend concerning the availability to Dr Madsen of using
that as a treatment tool?
DR BEECH: Well, it can be used as a treatment tool, or he might just
simply want to access adult pornography.
MR RYAN: And you made the point, I think, did you not that if there
was a concern as far as Dr Madsen was concerned in terms
of level of risk increasing, you’ve identified that there’s
81 Transcript 1-49 to 1-50.
-- 37 of 42 --
38
another requirement in the order that permits Dr Madsen
or requires thee respondent to permit Dr Madsen to inform
Corrective Services about that increase?
DR BEECH: That’s right. So I would – if I were to try to – it would be
something like cease accessing adult pornography if
directed in consultation with a psychologist. That’s how
it would do it.”82
Determination of the issue of proposed requirement 38
[110] The concern is that unsupervised access to pornography may lead to sexual preoccupation
which is a risk factor. On the other hand, the supervised access to pornography can be
used as a therapeutic tool. The way to balance those considerations is to have the treating
psychiatrist or psychologist authorise the access to pornography but maintain the ability
of Corrective Services to monitor the access. By requirements 32 and 36 Corrective
Services may access the respondent’s computers.
[111] The appropriate balance is met by including in the supervision order requirement 38 in
these terms:
“38. not access pornographic images on a computer or on the internet or
procure or obtain pornographic material in any other format without
the prior written approval of the treating psychiatrist or psychologist,
and if such approval is given, to deliver a copy of the approval
forthwith to a Corrective Services officer.”
Conclusions for final orders
[112] I regard the evidence placed before the Court as acceptable and cogent. I am convinced
to a high degree of probability that:
(i) the respondent is a serious danger to the community namely that there is an
unacceptable risk that he will commit a serious sexual offence if released from
custody without a supervision order being made; and
(ii) that the adequate protection of the community can be ensured by releasing the
respondent on a supervision order for a period of five years on terms that I have
found to be appropriate.
[113] I order as follows:
1. The respondent be released subject to the requirements set out in the Schedule to
these reasons until 7 March 2024.
82 Transcript 1-57.
-- 38 of 42 --
39
SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND
SCHEDULE TO: Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v PCO [2019]
QSC 44
PARTIES: ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR THE STATE OF
QUEENSLAND
(applicant)
v
PCO
(respondent)
SCHEDULE
THE COURT, being satisfied to the requisite standard that the respondent is a serious
danger to the community in the absence of an order made under Division 3 of the
Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (the Act), ORDERS THAT:
The respondent be subject to the following requirements until 7 March 2024:
The respondent must:
General terms
1. report to a Corrective Services officer at the Queensland Corrective Services
Probation and Parole Office closest to his place of residence between 9am and
4pm on the day of release from custody and at that time advise the officer of his
current name and address;
2. report to, and receive visits from, a Corrective Services officer at such times and
at such frequency as determined by Queensland Corrective Services;
3. notify a Corrective Services officer of every change of his name, place of residence
or employment at least two (2) business days before the change happens;
4. be under the supervision of a Corrective Services officer for the duration of this
order;
5. comply with a curfew direction or monitoring direction;
6. comply with any reasonable direction under section 16B of the Act given to him;
7. comply with every reasonable direction of a Corrective Services officer that is not
directly inconsistent with a requirement of this order;
8. not leave or stay out of Queensland without the permission of a Corrective
Services officer;
9. not commit an offence of a sexual nature during the period of this order;
-- 39 of 42 --
40
Employment
10. seek permission and obtain approval from a Corrective Services officer prior to
entering into an employment agreement or engaging in volunteer work or paid or
unpaid employment;
11. notify a Corrective Services officer of the nature of his employment, or offers of
employment, the hours of work each day, the name of his employer and the address
of the premises where he is or will be employed at least two (2) days prior to
commencement or any change;
Residence
12. reside at a place within the State of Queensland as approved by a Corrective
Services officer by way of a suitability assessment and obtain written approval
prior to any change of residence;
13. if this accommodation is of a temporary or contingency nature, comply with any
regulations or rules m place at this accommodation and demonstrate reasonable
efforts to secure alternative, viable long term accommodation to be assessed for
suitability by Queensland Corrective Services;
14. not reside at a place by way of short term accommodation, including overnight
stays, without the permission of a Corrective Services officer;
Requests for information
15. respond truthfully to enquiries by a Corrective Services officer about his activities,
whereabouts and movements generally;
Contact with victims
16. not have any direct or indirect contact with a victim of his sexual offences, except
with the prior approval of a Corrective Services officer, and in consultation with
his treating psychologist;
Disclosure of plans and associates
17. disclose to a Corrective Services officer the name of each person with whom he
associates and respond truthfully to requests for information from a Corrective
Services officer about the nature of the association, address of the associate if
known, the activities undertaken and whether the associate has knowledge of his
prior offending behaviour;
18. submit to and discuss with a Corrective Services officer a schedule of his planned
and proposed activities on a weekly basis or as otherwise directed;
19. if directed by a Corrective Services officer, make complete disclosure of the terms
of this order and the nature of his past offences to any person as nominated by the
Corrective Services officer, who may contact such persons to verify that full
disclosure has occurred;
Motor vehicles
20. notify a Corrective Services officer of the make, model, colour and registration
number of any vehicle owned by or generally driven by him, whether hired or
otherwise obtained for his use;
-- 40 of 42 --
41
Treatment
21. attend upon and submit to assessment, treatment, and/or medical testing by a
psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, counsellor or other mental health
professional as directed by a Corrective Services officer at a frequency and
duration which shall be recommended by the treating intervention specialist;
22. permit any medical, psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, counsellor or other
mental health professional to disclose details of treatment, intervention and
opinions relating to level of risk of re-offending and compliance with this order to
Queensland Corrective Services if such a request is made for the purposes of
updating or amending this order and/or ensuring compliance with this order;
23. attend any program, course, psychologist, social worker or counsellor, in a group
or individual capacity, as directed by a Corrective Services officer in consultation
with treating medical, psychiatric, psychological or other mental health
practitioners where appropriate;
Contact with children
24. not establish or maintain any supervised or unsupervised contact including
undertaking any care of children under 16 years of age except with prior written
approval of a Corrective Services officer;
25. advise a Corrective Services officer of any repeated contact with a parent of a child
under 16 years of age,
26. not access schools or child care centres at any time without the prior written
approval of a Corrective Services officer;
27. not join, affiliate with, attend the premises of or attend at the activities carried on
by any club or organisation in respect of which there are reasonable grounds for
believing there is either child membership or child participation, without the prior
written approval of a Corrective Services officer;
Technology, telephones and devices
28. inform a Corrective Services officer of each computer or device which can use or
access the internet.
29. supply to a Corrective Services officer any password or other access code known
to him to permit access to such computer or other device or content accessible
through such computer or other device and allow any device where the internet is
accessible to be randomly examined using a data exploitation tool to extract digital
information or any other recognised forensic examination process;
30. supply to a Corrective Services officer details of any email address, instant
messaging service, chat rooms, or social networking sites including user names
and passwords;
31. not access child exploitation material or collect images of children on a computer
or on the internet or in any other format;
32. inform a Corrective Services officer before possessing any equipment that enables
him to take photographs or record moving images;
-- 41 of 42 --
42
33. allow any other device including a telephone or camera to be randomly examined.
If applicable, account details and/or phone bills are to be provided upon request of
a Corrective Services officer;
34. advise a Corrective Services officer of the make, model and phone number of any
mobile phone owned, possessed or regularly utilised by him within 24 hours of
connection or commencement of use, including reporting any changes to mobile
phone details;
35. not access pornographic images on a computer or on the internet or procure or
obtain pornographic material in any other format without the prior written
approval of the treating psychiatrist or psychologist, and if such approval is
given, to deliver a copy of the approval forthwith to a Corrective Services officer;
36. except with prior written approval from a Corrective Services officer, not own,
possess or regularly utilise more than one mobile phone.
-- 42 of 42 --
Official source: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/QSC/2019/044