A violent child rapist who prosecutors fought to keep in custody has just been released in Adelaide after serving a five-year sentence for abusing a young girl ahead of his sentencing for another rape tomorrow.
The release of the man, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, came despite another of his victims airing concerns about his release, telling 9News he was a danger to children and a flight risk.
The individual was observed at the Adelaide Airport departures lounge about 4pm today, a short distance from other travellers, although he was closely watched by police.
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“South Australia Police have been working with other agencies interstate in relation to that person and will continue to do so to safeguard the community,” a South Australia Police spokesperson said.
Mike Worsman was violently raped by the man in the 1990s, and told 9News last week he was “terrified for me, my family, the community” ahead of the offender’s release.
The offender is scheduled to appear in a Canberra court tomorrow to be sentenced for the abuse of Worsman.
After Worsman went public with his concerns, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas revealed a secret plan to track the abuser.
“I have been assured by South Australian Police that this is being actively monitored in a way that South Australians can have a lot of confidence,” Malinauskas said.
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Despite assurances from authorities, Worsman expressed frustration at the lack of communication about the offender’s movements.
“Why are we out of the loop? We are the people that can be harmed,” he said.
Worsman says he was told the offender was being held at Mount Gambier prison, but instead he was released from Adelaide Remand Centre, close to where his victims reside.
“I don’t know if … he’s been moved,” Worsman said.
“That’s pretty important if you’re trying to keep yourself safe.
“If you’re trying to keep your family safe, that’s not good enough.”
The offender was escorted by police to Gate 13 of Adelaide Airport, where he boarded a flight to Canberra ahead of his sentencing tomorrow.
He told 9News he intended to be at the hearing. If he isn’t, it’s likely a warrant will be issued for his arrest.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
