SPENCE: SUTHERLAND MOVED TO NEW ADDRESS
Published Friday, 06 October, 2006 at 12:00 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence has confirmed a convicted killer and rapist – who was living in Nerang after being released from jail by the Supreme Court last week - has been moved to a new location.
Ms Spence said Paul Vincent Sutherland was released last week after serving out his 17 year sentence – despite the Beattie Government having sought to keep him in jail indefinitely under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sex Offenders) Act 2003.
Ms Spence said the continued media presence outside the man’s house had led to corrective services officers moving Sutherland this afternoon.
“I understand residents’ concerns and if we’d had our way, this man would not have been released,” Ms Spence said.
“However, the Supreme Court of Queensland decided he could be released under a 20 year supervision order, which includes 22 different conditions.
“I am advised he has been complying with all aspects of his court order, and had not been in breach of any of his court-imposed conditions.”
Ms Spence said the court had decided on September 27 to release Sutherland, although he had no confirmed accommodation available.
She said Sutherland nominated the Nerang address on September 28th which was assessed by Queensland Corrective Services the next day and determined as suitable only for temporary accommodation.
“He was immediately instructed to find alternative accommodation that better suited his long term needs, and I am advised that he had been doing that,” Ms Spence said.
“This afternoon he was moved to alternative short-term accommodation in order to relieve the media focus. The search for long-term accommodation is continuing.”
Ms Spence said she had also asked Queensland Corrective Services to implement the toughest regime of surveillance to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court order.
“Community safety is of utmost priority to this government, which is why I have asked the department to toughen up Sutherland’s case management,” Ms Spence said.
“Already he is subject to 22 court-ordered conditions, which include surveillance and drug and alcohol testing.
“His visits will be stepped up with random and unannounced visits to his address by his supervising corrective services officer. His case management plan will also include working with police using intelligence.”
Ms Spence said Sutherland’s 22 court order conditions did not impose restrictions on where he could live.
Media contact: Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287
Ms Spence said Paul Vincent Sutherland was released last week after serving out his 17 year sentence – despite the Beattie Government having sought to keep him in jail indefinitely under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sex Offenders) Act 2003.
Ms Spence said the continued media presence outside the man’s house had led to corrective services officers moving Sutherland this afternoon.
“I understand residents’ concerns and if we’d had our way, this man would not have been released,” Ms Spence said.
“However, the Supreme Court of Queensland decided he could be released under a 20 year supervision order, which includes 22 different conditions.
“I am advised he has been complying with all aspects of his court order, and had not been in breach of any of his court-imposed conditions.”
Ms Spence said the court had decided on September 27 to release Sutherland, although he had no confirmed accommodation available.
She said Sutherland nominated the Nerang address on September 28th which was assessed by Queensland Corrective Services the next day and determined as suitable only for temporary accommodation.
“He was immediately instructed to find alternative accommodation that better suited his long term needs, and I am advised that he had been doing that,” Ms Spence said.
“This afternoon he was moved to alternative short-term accommodation in order to relieve the media focus. The search for long-term accommodation is continuing.”
Ms Spence said she had also asked Queensland Corrective Services to implement the toughest regime of surveillance to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court order.
“Community safety is of utmost priority to this government, which is why I have asked the department to toughen up Sutherland’s case management,” Ms Spence said.
“Already he is subject to 22 court-ordered conditions, which include surveillance and drug and alcohol testing.
“His visits will be stepped up with random and unannounced visits to his address by his supervising corrective services officer. His case management plan will also include working with police using intelligence.”
Ms Spence said Sutherland’s 22 court order conditions did not impose restrictions on where he could live.
Media contact: Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287