NO PLACE TO HIDE FOR FARDON: SPENCE
Published Friday, 19 October, 2007 at 04:37 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence said DPSOA offender Robert Fardon will be watched like a hawk, after the Supreme Court today ordered his release back into the community, on a supervision order.
Ms Spence said Fardon will remain in custody while suitable accommodation is finalised.
“The Attorney-General did ask for a continuing detention order, and sought a strict new supervision order when the Supreme Court dismissed calls for Fardon to stay behind bars.
“It is always the government’s preference to keep these types of offenders behind bars, but when the courts release them, they are scrutinised at every turn.
“Corrective Services and the Police have a range of supervision tools at their disposal to ensure that these offenders are complying with their supervision orders and in the case of Fardon, all resources will be brought to bear.
“Fardon will be under continual surveillance by Queensland Corrective Services.
“Under his new 38 point order, he will have to wear an electronic monitoring device, which will alert us if he breaks his curfew, and Corrective Service must receive an outline his movements every week.
“He is not allowed to have any contact with children under the age of 16, without prior approval from Corrective Services, nor can he stay away from home overnight.
“Any employment will have to be assessed and approved by our officers and he will have to undergo regular drug and alcohol testing.
“To put it simply, we will be watching him every step of the way.”
Ms Spence said recent amendments to the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 mean if Fardon breaches his order again he can be arrested immediately and brought back before the courts.
“Once in court, the offender has to argue exceptional grounds in order to be released prior to the finalisation of the contravention proceedings.
“In addition to being returned to the Supreme Court for contravention, an offender may also be charged with an offence for breaching the terms of their order, which can lead to up to two years imprisonment.
“The amendments also mean that all new supervision orders will include surveillance and curfew conditions that will allow QCS to use electronic monitoring, as is the case with Fardon.
“We have the toughest system in the country for monitoring these types of offenders and Fardon will be under intense scrutiny to ensure the community is safe.”
Media Contact: Minister Spence’s Office – Nicola Hazell 0439 673 287
Ms Spence said Fardon will remain in custody while suitable accommodation is finalised.
“The Attorney-General did ask for a continuing detention order, and sought a strict new supervision order when the Supreme Court dismissed calls for Fardon to stay behind bars.
“It is always the government’s preference to keep these types of offenders behind bars, but when the courts release them, they are scrutinised at every turn.
“Corrective Services and the Police have a range of supervision tools at their disposal to ensure that these offenders are complying with their supervision orders and in the case of Fardon, all resources will be brought to bear.
“Fardon will be under continual surveillance by Queensland Corrective Services.
“Under his new 38 point order, he will have to wear an electronic monitoring device, which will alert us if he breaks his curfew, and Corrective Service must receive an outline his movements every week.
“He is not allowed to have any contact with children under the age of 16, without prior approval from Corrective Services, nor can he stay away from home overnight.
“Any employment will have to be assessed and approved by our officers and he will have to undergo regular drug and alcohol testing.
“To put it simply, we will be watching him every step of the way.”
Ms Spence said recent amendments to the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 mean if Fardon breaches his order again he can be arrested immediately and brought back before the courts.
“Once in court, the offender has to argue exceptional grounds in order to be released prior to the finalisation of the contravention proceedings.
“In addition to being returned to the Supreme Court for contravention, an offender may also be charged with an offence for breaching the terms of their order, which can lead to up to two years imprisonment.
“The amendments also mean that all new supervision orders will include surveillance and curfew conditions that will allow QCS to use electronic monitoring, as is the case with Fardon.
“We have the toughest system in the country for monitoring these types of offenders and Fardon will be under intense scrutiny to ensure the community is safe.”
Media Contact: Minister Spence’s Office – Nicola Hazell 0439 673 287