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THE MAKO/Files Online are a FREE PUBLIC
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In Australia the general Public (YOU) are NOT provided with access to Sex Offender
Registries by the Federal or State government/s..
Most of you agree would with us that jail is the best place for convicted
sex offenders..the FACT is that many live in
unsuspecting communities including near schools/playgrounds etc..
Its no secret that sex offenders especially paedophiles are likely to re/offend
so Public AWARENESS is very IMPORTANT to PREVENTION ??
The
'MAKO/Files' online are AWARENESS = PREVENTION..
(The MAKO/Files Online also lists Child Killers and individuals
convicted of other forms of child abuse/NOT only child sexual abuse)
A typical Online
MAKO/File (offenders file) may include the
offenders name,age (2008), photo
where possible, occupation, offence-s committed, sentence received by the court, and last known
location-
(last known location is taken from time of offenders
offence/ sentence, unless otherwise stated).
Not only can the MAKO/Files online be used by the Australian PUBLIC to better
protect themselves and their CHILDREN/ families from proven sex offenders,
they have many other benefits, including..
+ being a useful resource
for Australian and overseas Companies-businesses-organisations
to assist with screening potential employees/volunteers etc..
+ a useful resource for media
outlets/journalists/Investigators/researchers etc..
+ a useful method of
constantly lobbying Australian Government/s and politicians to do more to
protect the PUBLIC from sexual predators.
"Tougher sentencing for offenders,greater government
funding for prevention/ victim assistance and public sex offender
registries would be a good foundation to work from."
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State: NSW/QLD - (7-7-08..Mt Cotten Rd,Mt Cotten/Carbrook,Qld.) Paedophiles thrive on secrecy,it allows them to easily move from victim to victim..YOU SHOULD BE NOTIFIED. Sentence: Ferguson was sentenced in 1989 to 14 years jail, in the Brisbane Supreme Court, with the Judge saying his chances of rehabilitation were "nil". Believed to be currently living in QLD. Offence/Other: SERIOUS SEXUAL PREDATOR.Ferguson was convicted for kidnapping three children from their NSW home in 1987 and sexually molesting them for three days.In 1988 he was convicted of 19 charges including kidnapping, sodomy, gross indecency, indecent dealing and carnal knowledge.The above offences were also committed with his lover, Alexandria George Brookes ( also prior convictions) who received 11 yrs jail and was released in January, 1999. The children became wards of the state, needed lengthy counselling and one child wanted to commit suicide. The Judge also said that Ferguson seemed to regard paeophilia as an acceptable practice and sought to institutionalise it. Released from Brisbane Wolston jail 9/1/2003. Arrested on September 16th. Sentenced in the Parramatta Local Court in Nov 2003 to 15 months jail/ no parole. Did not comply with his reporting conditions (failed to tell Police a new job he had, could possibly give him access to children).Currently released from jail (1-7-2008). Dennis Ferguson has now been moved to Mt Cotton Rd, Mt Cotton/Carbrook, QLD (7-7-2008)..BE VIGILANT NOT VIGILANTES |
Dennis Ferguson 
Dennis Ferguson 
Dennis Ferguson |
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THE parents of a five-year-old Dalby girl have been devastated by the release of notorious pedophile Dennis Ferguson as news reports emerged late yesterday he was now living just 120km from their Dalby home. Media reports claimed the notorious pedophile was staying with a friend on a property near Miles. Dalby CIB officer-in-charge Detective Sergeant Kevin Goan met with the family of the five-year-old girl yesterday. "We met with them to let them know about Mr Ferguson's release as a matter of protocol but they were obviously devastated," he said. "They were definitely irate about his release." Ferguson, 60, had been due to stand trial next week for allegedly sexually assaulting the five-year-old Dalby girl at her home in November, 2005. However, Judge Hugh Botting on Tuesday granted a permanent stay of proceedings, arguing that the Crown case was "tenuous" and that pre-trial publicity about Ferguson's past convictions would make it difficult to find an objective jury. The feeling of outrage was widespread in the Dalby community yesterday. The Chronicle contacted a large number of people who spoke of their concern at Ferguson's release, and also their support for the Dalby family. Dalby Regional Council mayor Ray Brown said he applauded Queensland Attorney-General Kerry Shine's decision to appeal Judge Botting's ruling. "I'm sure the case is in good hands with Kerry Shine, but I think this man is a threat to the whole of Australia, not just Dalby," Cr Brown said. "We've had a few tragedies in Dalby recently so we really didn't need to hear news like this. "I guess we'll all have to move on, but it obviously leaves a very bad taste in everyone's mouth," he said. Ferguson was sentenced to 14 years' jail in 1988 for sexually abusing three children in a Brisbane hotel room. He had been out of jail for about two years before he was arrested on the charges of allegedly assaulting the five-year-old Dalby girl. Miles Cross Roads Caravan Park owner Ron Howell yesterday said Ferguson was not welcome in his community. "This is extremely serious," Mr Howell said. AAP (3-7-2008) Jim Campbell |
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QUEENSLAND prosecutors have lodged a document clarifying previously "vague" reasons for appealing against the recent stay in proceedings against notorious child sex offender Dennis Ferguson. The amended notice of appeal, which was lodged late this afternoon in the Court of Appeal registry in Brisbane, states the crown's appeal would predominately focus on Judge Hugh Botting's argument that Ferguson would not be able to receive a fair trial. Ferguson, 60, had been due to stand trial in the Brisbane District Court over allegations he sexually assaulted a young girl before Judge Botting dismissed the charges. He is being cared for by a church group at the Carbrook property, on Brisbane's southern outskirts, as he awaits the outcome of the appeal against his release. The appeal is due to be heard on July 22. The president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Margaret McMurdo, yesterday described the crown's initial submissions relating to the appeal as vague and requested clarification by 4pm (AEST) today. The crown will argue Judge Botting failed to give sufficient weight to the court's power to ensure a jury would disregard adverse pre-trial publicity. Prosecutors will also argue that Judge Botting "erred in finding that a jury could not be dispassionate and follow the judge's directions". The appeal will also explore the strength of the crown case, which Judge Botting described as "tenuous" when he handed down the order that freed Ferguson. The document lodged today noted that "there was clearly some evidence which might support a conviction", and that Judge Botting did not take this into account when ordering the stay in proceedings. The crown also said Judge Botting "failed to give sufficient weight to ... the interest society has in seeing that those accused of serious criminal offences are amenable to the justice system". Ferguson's defence team has agreed to respond to the state's outline of appeal arguments by next Wednesday. Meanwhile, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has urged parents at Carbrook not to keep their children away from school for fear of Ferguson. Some worried parents in the suburb have said they will not send their children to school when it resumes from holidays next week. Ms Bligh said keeping children at home was not in their best interests and Queensland laws obliged parents to send their kids to school unless they were sick or had a good reason for not attending. "Withdrawing children from school is not only totally unnecessary, but frankly, will only be a disservice to those children," she said. "I encourage parents to make sure that in making their legitimate protests about this issue, they don't do it in a way that disadvantages their children." Police Minister Judy Spence admitted the cost of protecting Ferguson 24/7 was a drain on police resources. "I am sorry that we have had all of our best Task Force Argos officers on this case for over a week now, because they should be out there doing their job and catching more pedophiles," she said. Carbrook residents have been protesting outside Ferguson's property nightly, and are reportedly planning to make their gathering a "party" tonight. Ms Bligh said the police operation around the property would continue, and if people became raucous they would be arrested. "If there are large disturbances, people who are breaking the law will be arrested," she told reporters in Brisbane today. AAP (11-7-2008) Christine Flatley/ Gabrielle Dunlevy/ Drew Cratchley |
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LAWYERS fighting a judge's decision to dismiss charges against child sex offender Dennis Ferguson will tomorrow submit more details of their argument after it was dubbed "vague" by Queensland's Court of Appeal. The state's new chief prosecutor, Tony Moynihan SC, has taken on the appeal on behalf of Attorney-General Kerry Shine, who disagreed with Brisbane District Court Judge Hugh Botting's decision last week to free 60-year-old Ferguson. Ferguson had been due to stand trial over allegations he sexually assaulted a five-year-old girl at her home in Dalby, west of Brisbane, in November 2005. Judge Botting granted a permanent stay on the proceedings, arguing the Crown case was "tenuous" and that pre-trial publicity about Ferguson's past convictions would make it difficult to find an objective jury. In the lead-up to the appeal hearing on July 22, lawyers today met briefly before the Court of Appeal to discuss the matter. Court of Appeal President Margaret McMurdo told the Crown "at this stage you have a very vague ground of appeal", referring to the initial notice which was formally lodged last week. Mr Moynihan, the Queensland Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), agreed to provide a more detailed outline of his submissions by tomorrow afternoon. The State's case would focus predominately on Judge Botting's ruling on pre-trial publicity, Mr Moynihan said. Ferguson's defence team has agreed to respond to the state's outline of appeal arguments by next Wednesday. Meanwhile, residents of Carbrook have again been urged not to take the law into their own hands, as protesters maintain their presence outside Ferguson's residence. Chief Superintendent Michael Condon said police would confiscate any items deemed a danger to other protesters, residents or the police. "There's been a number turn up with sticks or fence palings which placards are fixed to – that won't be tolerated," Supt Condon said. Protesters have also burnt an effigy of Ferguson outside the property, while a potato gun has been found in the area. Police barriers designed to keep protesters off the road were today reinforced, after they were shifted overnight by demonstrators. "There are some emotional people down there, we accept that," Supt Condon said. "But we won't tolerate anyone that endangers the life of anyone at the scene. If they want to be there for a peaceful protest that is fine." Queensland Police Minister Judy Spence is not bowing to public pressure, saying Ferguson will not be moved until the appeal is dealt with in the courts. But if the appeal fails another location will be found, she said. Ferguson has already been run out of a community at Miles, in the state's south. He is being cared for by a church group at the Carbrook property at a cost to taxpayers of $1000 a day, while police are maintaining a 24-hour guard inside and outside the home. AAP (10-7-2008) Drew Cratchley/ Christine Flatley |
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CROWN prosecutors are proceeding with an appeal against a judge's ruling to drop child-sex charges against Dennis Raymond Ferguson, despite admitting that their case was "tenuous." Judge Hugh Botting last week threw out two child-sex charges against Ferguson in fear that a jury could find him guilty based on his notoriety despite the Crown case being "tenuous" and "extremely weak." Dennis Ferguson in-depth section Anthony Moynihan, SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions this morning told the Queensland Court of Appeal that it was not going to question the finding that their case was tenuous but believed the evidence should be placed before a jury to decide. "The Crown does not contend that (Judge Botting) erred in fact, we are not appealing that the Crown case was a tenuous one, or could be described as a tenuous one," he said. "(However Judge Botting) found that there was a case for it to go to a jury." Mr Moynihan said the outline of the Crown's appeal case would be delivered to the Court of Appeal by tomorrow afternoon. A full hearing is to follow on July 22. COurier Mail (10-7-2008) Jason Gregory |
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ORGANISERS had been expecting 150 people, but instead a rowdy crowd of about 1000 has turned up to a meeting on the presence of convicted pedophile Dennis Ferguson in their Brisbane community. Police Minister Judy Spence and Acting Police Commissioner Kathy Rynders were shouted down by the crowd at the meeting in Carbrook, a suburb on Brisbane's southern fringes, tonight. A police prosecutor, senior constable Heather Steinberg, received a standing ovation after she said her job was at risk but she had to protest against Ferguson's presence for the sake of her two daughters aged two and four. "Why is the commissioner making me protect him and not my children,'' she said. Another woman said she was able to see the house where Ferguson was living. "Our freedom has gone. You have imprisoned us in our own home. My children are frightened,'' she said. Howls of derision met Ms Spence's attempts to explain that Ferguson was a free man. "Whether you like it or not Dennis Ferguson has been allowed to be a free man by the courts,'' she said. There were calls for the removal of Hugh Botting, the District Court judge who ordered Ferguson's release. Child protection advocate Hetty Johnston came in for criticism as she explained there were pedophiles in every community in Queensland. There was a significant police presence at the event. At one stage the crowd began to chant "Get him out, get him out, get him out.'' Ferguson is being housed on a property at Carbrook, where taxpayers are paying $1000 a day for a church group to supervise him. The 60-year-old convicted sex offender, freed last week after Judge Botting said he would not get a fair trial in Queensland on new child sex charges, has already been run out of a community at Miles, in the state's south. Earlier today, a 29-year-old man was charged with threatening to harm Ferguson. Police allege the man from Munruben, south of Brisbane, called the Beenleigh Police Communications Centre shortly before 8am (AEST) today and threatened to harm Ferguson. The caller was charged with using a carriage service to menace and is due to appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on July 29. AAP (8-7-2008) |
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THE police minister has told a meeting of 800 angry residents the government was sorry that convicted pedophile Dennis Ferguson had been released. However Police Minister Judy Spence assured the crowd that the Mt Cotton property in which he was housed would not be used for other sex offenders in the future. About 800 people - many of them Mt Cotton locals - have crammed into a marquee set up at a local school to discuss whether he should be allowed to stay at a nearby semi-rural property. Ms Spence said Ferguson would remain on the property at least until the court appeal had been heard, where she hoped a supervision order would be placed on him. "It will be up to the courts to decide what is his fate," she said. Angry protests The angry crowd pummelled Ms Spence with questions and shouted their disgust at having a serial pedophile in their community only kilometres from schools. Ms Spence was interrupted after about a minute on the podium with cries of "Why isn't he living in your backyard?" "I can understand the anger that many people in this community feel, that Dennis Ferguson is a free man," she said. "He has no supervision provisions. If we don't encourage him to move into a house which we know about, provide him with support and protection ... then he is free to live in any house or street in Queensland. "I think it's better that we provide him with accommodation where we can watch over him 24 hours a day, seven days a week, than let him free – to roam streets of Queensland where we have no knowledge of his movements," she shouted over the crowd. Government 'not responsible' Ms Spence apologised for the court system allowing Ferguson to walk free. "Whether we like it or not, Dennis Ferguson has been allowed to walk free from court," she said "I did not make this man a free man, the courts did that, I'm sorry for that." Electronic sex offender monitoring Ms Spence said the 38 dangerous sex offenders living in the Wacol community have electronic monitoring and strict supervision orders set by the court. Being convicted under older and more lenient laws, Ferguson doesn't fit the requirements for being housed among the Wacol community because he does not fall into the category of offenders who can be placed on supervision orders under the Dangerous Prisoners Sexual Offenders Act. Ms Spence said if he now chooses to act inappropriately they could impose on him the same sort of strict supervision orders as others are under. "Mr Ferguson is the one pedophile in Queensland we are monitoring 24 hours a day," she said. "You are all very, very upset about the one man we are monitoring very, very closely." She said the monitoring would continue as long as necessary. Fear in the community Maree Lees, mother of three boys under six who attend school in Carbrook, compared the fear of having Ferguson in the community with the terrorist actions of September 2001. "As a parent I feel when September 11 happened the world changed for everyone," she said. "As of yesterday when we heard of Dennis Ferguson coming to our community our lives have changed, we're under threat in our own community. "We sent hundreds of troops to Iraq because we were worried about our security for Australia, but here in our community we're equally as scared for our children." Police charge man over threats Police have charged a man who allegedly threatened to harm convicted pedophile Dennis Ferguson. Police allege a Munruben man, 29, called the Beenleigh Police Communications Centre about 8am threatening Ferguson, whose move to acreage at Carbrook has angered residents. The man was charged with using a carriage service to menace and is due to appear in Beenleigh Magistrate's Court on July 29. Noisy Carbrook protest Drivers passing the hideout of Dennis Ferguson in Carbrook are honking their horns in support of 30 protesters who want him to leave town. Most of those gathered at the serial pedophile’s front gate are locals who say they’re concerned for their children. Mt Cotton single mum Vanessa Bell said Ferguson “didn’t deserve to live in a nice place like this”. “He lost his rights and privileges when he hurt the kids,” she said. “He should be tied up to a meat ants’ nest.” There are six police officers watching the protesters and four police cars at Ferguson’s front gate. The house where he’s living is set back 200m from the road but protesters say he would be able to hear the horns. Earlier today, Ms Spence described as "thugs" some protesters who gathered outside Ferguson's hideout. Ms Spence said that of the 80 protesters gathered outside the house, only half were concerned locals. Others were thugs. Ms Spence said she was ashamed fellow citizens could act like that. Ms Spence said some police at the acreage property were staying inside the house with Ferguson and the others were outside on the grounds. She said there was no other option for Ferguson. Pedophile has 'nowhere to go' The State Government admits it has nowhere else to send the serial offender. Ferguson was holed up on a rural property at 35km southeast of Brisbane, as the Government revealed it would spend $1000 a day to support his transition from reviled prisoner to a life back in the community. And that doesn't include the cost of police on guard. Ferguson fled Miles on Thursday following protests by furious residents in the southwest Queensland town. Ms Spence said yesterday: "I'm asking Queenslanders not to repeat the kind of scenes that we saw. "I know that no one wants Dennis Ferguson in their community, but people have to reflect that he has to live somewhere. "If he is hounded out of this residence, we don't have any other options to offer him." Ferguson costs $1000 a day Anger greeted news that a "well-respected Christian" group would be paid $1000 a day to provide support "day and night" to help Ferguson adapt to life outside of prison. The 60-year-old was freed last Tuesday after District Court judge Hugh Botting ordered a permanent stay of proceedings over child sex charges for several reasons, including his belief that Ferguson could not get a fair trial because of his notoriety. The nearest neighbours to the Carbrook property - which is 2km from a high school and primary school - say the State Government notified them last Saturday that a sex offender was moving into the area. Kay and Stuart McLachlan and daughters Aly, 14, and Maddy, 10, are separated from the property housing Ferguson by light bushland. "They (government) didn't even check that there were children living right next door," Ms McLachlan said. "Since we found out it's been two days of hell. "Now the monster is in our backyard and it's terrifying. "It's taken away our little oasis." Ms Spence said the "Christian-based group" would be with Ferguson "day and night" to assist him resettle into the community. The group has experience working with prisoners, including sex offenders. AAP (8-7-2008) Jodie Munro O'Brien |
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Pedophile Dennis Ferguson in Hiding Again PEDOPHILE Dennis Ferguson is again in hiding as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd backed the public's right to know the whereabouts of child sex offenders. The 60-year-old was whisked away from a rural property near Miles, about 120 km northwest of Dalby, on Thursday night after around 60 people gathered outside to protest his presence. It is the third time Ferguson has been run out of accommodation in recent years. Police are now monitoring Ferguson at a second secret location following his release on Tuesday by District Court judge Hugh Botting, who ruled he would not get a fair trial on new sex charges. His full judgment was released today, citing both politicians and the media for a long list of negative descriptions of Ferguson, including "well-known pedophile", "notorious pedophile", "unrepentant", "considered unrehabilitated" and "convicted child molester". Mr Rudd today said people had a right to know when pedophiles moved in. While not commenting specifically on Ferguson's case, Mr Rudd said: "I believe that this is a most sensitive, difficult area and these are sensitive, difficult decisions to be made by the authorities. "But I think as a general principle the community does have a right to know." Premier Anna Bligh said she was confident Queensland police could manage Ferguson's accommodation, which was at his own, not taxpayer's expense. "I think the Queensland Police Service have done everything in their power over the last couple of days to try and reassure the community that they are monitoring this person, that there is no risk to that community, but these are difficult issues," she said in Brisbane. She did not agree with Queensland Council of Civil Liberties vice president Terry O'Gorman that the government's handling of Ferguson had been "limp-wristed". Nor did she agree there was a need for a change to the law "in light of a media-inspired mob" driving him out of his temporary home. Ms Bligh said people had a right to protest and that the media had, for the most part, acted responsibly. State coalition MP Howard Hobbs, whose electorate takes in Miles, has called on the government to provide notorious sex offenders with special accommodation, monitored by corrective services. "I am greatly disappointed at the inaction of your government that allows a situation to occur where notorious persons are hunted like animals, from shelter to shelter," he wrote in a letter to Police Minister Judy Spence. Mr Hobbs said the government had to act urgently, given the current level of public outrage. Ms Spence said the government was working with church groups to provide support for Ferguson. Attorney-General Kerry Shine has launched an appeal against the judge's decision to free Ferguson, who had been due to stand trial next week for allegedly sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl at her home in Dalby, west of Brisbane, in November 2005. AAP (4-7-2008) |
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QUEENSLAND Police said no children live in the area where convicted child molester Dennis Ferguson has been taken following his release from custody. Ferguson, 60, was released last night after Brisbane District Court Judge Hugh Botting threw out child sex charges against him. He had been due to stand trial next week for allegedly sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl at her home in Dalby, west of Brisbane, in November 2005. Judge Botting granted a permanent stay on the proceedings based on evidence put before him by Ferguson's defence team that pre-trial publicity about his past convictions would make it difficult to find an objective jury. He also ruled the crown case was "tenuous" as it relied on the evidence of a child who appeared to confuse Ferguson with another convicted child sex offender who had been with him at the time. Queensland Attorney-General Kerry Shine will launch an appeal of Judge Botting's decision today. "In Queensland I believe that accused people do receive a fair trial," Mr Shine said yesterday. Queensland Police said late last night Ferguson had been taken to an address known to police. "Local police have checked the address and confirmed there are no children in the immediate vicinity," police said. "All appropriate action" will be taken by local police in this matter, police said. Premier Anna Bligh, who was briefed on the case by Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson this morning, said Ferguson was taken to an undisclosed location after his release. "On the advice I have from the police commissioner, I am satisfied that he has been placed in an appropriate setting," she said on ABC radio. "The advice I have is that he has been placed on an isolated property. He is not in a neighbourhood, he is not next to people's houses, he is not in a community near a school." Local police would be monitoring Ferguson's movements, while he was on the national register of child sex offenders. "They can't stop his movements, but can I say that it's public knowledge that Mr Ferguson's previously been convicted of serious offences that would qualify him to be on the national register of child sex abusers," Ms Bligh said. "People on this register can be monitored by police and if they behave in any way that would be of concern, as much as things like loitering in a park, police can take out an order against them." AAP (2-7-2008) |
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UPDATE: PREMIER Anna Bligh has warned against vigilante attacks against pedophile Dennis Ferguson following his release by Queensland's District Court. Ferguson, 60, was due to face trial next week on charges relating to alleged offences against a five-year-old girl in her Darling Downs home in November 2005. But Judge Hugh Botting said Ferguson was so notorious he could not get a fair trial and the charges were dropped. He was whisked away from the court in the back of an unmarked police car and taken to an "isolated property". The Premier has told ABC Radio this morning Ferguson had been placed in an "appropriate setting". "He is on an isolated property. He is not next to people's houses. He's not near a school or parks," Ms Bligh said. "Queensland police are aware of where he is. Local police are aware of Mr Ferguson and any vehicles he might have access to." Ms Bligh admitted there was no legal obligation to notify neighbours of Mr Ferguson's presence but he was required to inform police if he changed address. She said Attorney-General Kerry Shine would today lodge an urgent appeal against the part of the ruling that "challenged the view this person would not get a fair trial in Queensland". "I have been advised by the Attorney this is a very rare and exceptional case," Ms Bligh said. As well as the appeal against yesterday's ruling, Ms Bligh said the State Government would like at the wider implications of the judgement - hinting that law reform may be needed. "The Government is not only going to look at any immediate remedy but also to see if there's a longer term implication. It's something we need to look at in detail. It may be that we don't need to make any changes," she said. Attorney-General Kerry Shine last night contacted the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to order them to appeal against the decision. He told ABC Radio this morning an appeal against the stay would be lodged with the Queensland Court of Appeal today, but he did not know when a decision would be made. Mr Shine said if the appeal was dismissed, it was unlikely he would seek to have the charges heard in another state. He resisted calls for Judge Botting to be stood down. He declined to comment on the strength of the case against Ferguson. "Look, just because a judge makes a decision that I, as Attorney-General, disagree with, doesn't mean that the judge should be sacked. What it means is that I should exercise my right under law to appeal that decision and appeal it to the Court of Appeal. That's the remedy," he said. Asked what he would say to Ferguson, should he be listening, Mr Shine said: "I would advise him that he should in all respects conform with the law and conform to the expectations of the community at large are, that is that he have no contact whatsoever with children." Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg last night called for the trial to proceed and lashed out at the Government, which had promised Ferguson would be watched while he lived in the community. "Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence promised Queenslanders in a press release at the time that Ferguson would be watched 24 hours a day," Mr Springborg said. "So she should be able to answer what he was doing to the judge in the trial, unless it was a lie that he was going to be watched all the time." The Crown alleged that in November 2005 Ferguson and a friend went to the Dalby home of a woman who had once worked with him in a door-to-door cleaning business and "created the opportunity" to be alone with her two daughters, then four and five. Judge Botting, who used powers of discretion available only in extraordinary situations to stay the proceedings, said the alleged victim's testimony had been unreliable. "The only evidence that directly implicates (Ferguson) was the evidence of the alleged victim. She was 51/2 years old at the time," he said. "The public interest in holding a trial does not warrant holding an unfair trial, bearing in mind the extraordinary nature of the public comment in this case (ranging) between irrational statements and vitriolic attacks featured for so long and often in the press. "In my view, the nature and extent of the reportage renders it impossible to conceive a dispassionate jury could be empanelled. "To pretend otherwise would be disingenuous." He said several high-profile politicians at all levels of government had mentioned the matter in the public forum The Courier Mail (2-7-2008) Robyn Ironside/ Jason Gregory/ Rosemary Odgers |
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A RUNAWAY teenage ward of the state who spent weeks in the same house as convicted pedophile Dennis Ferguson had been let down by the system, a leading child advocate said today. But Bravehearts chief executive Hetty Johnston did not believe Queensland Child Safety Minister Mike Reynolds should shoulder the blame. Instead, she called for the Corrective Services Department to establish a more comprehensive monitoring system for pedophiles released from prison. The department removed the 17-year-old girl from the house in Miles, western Queensland, on November 10, when police charged Ferguson, 57, with the indecent assault of two girls, aged 4 and 5. The runaway had a history of absconding from her foster care placements and was removed by the Queensland Child Safety Department as soon as the situation was known. "It's about time we started protecting our children from people like Ferguson and find better ways to monitor pedophiles in the community," she said. "There has been a breakdown in the system but I don't think the minister should be held responsible." Child Safety Department director-general Robin Sullivan told The Australian newspaper the teenager was found living in the house with her aunt and uncle, who were not registered carers with the department. "It was discovered that the girl went to live with her aunt and uncle, with the knowledge of her mother," she said. "This is the residence from which the Department of Child Safety removed her. "As soon as the department became aware of the situation involving Dennis Ferguson, it acted immediately, and as soon as it located the girl, she was removed." http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au (21-12-2005) |
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ONE of Australia’s most notorious convicted paedophiles, Dennis Ferguson, is back in the region, this time believed to be living on the outskirts of Roma. Concerned Roma residents reported Ferguson is living in Two Mile Lane. Since his release from a New South Wales jail last year, Ferguson has been chased out of Murgon and Ipswich after earlier trying to rent a house in Toowoomba. He is believed to have moved to Roma last week after residing 5km from Miles in past weeks. The shock news for the Roma community came as around 18,000 visitors were making their way to the town for the annual Easter in the Country festival. Roma parent Marion Young said all parents in the district should be aware that this man was living among them. Mrs Young said people should watch their children closely and be more observant of where they were going and when they were coming home. Everyone should be taking extra precautions, she told The Western Star in Roma. Roma Mayor Bruce Garvie said he could not confirm that Dennis Ferguson was in the Roma community. Cr Garvie said Ferguson was being handled and monitored by the relative people under the Child Protection Offender Reporting Act. "While it would be unsavoury to have this man in the community, I am sure if he were here that the local police would be keeping an eye on him," he said. "There is little I can do as mayor; however, I will continue to monitor the situation and talk to the local police. "If people aren’t happy with this, they should talk to the politicians and get the laws changed." Cr Garvie encouraged parents to keep a watchful eye on their children at all times. Roma District Officer Inspector Steve Wardrope said police were not at liberty to either confirm or deny Ferguson’s whereabouts. AAP (26-3-2005) |
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CONVICTED child rapist Dennis Ferguson has lodged a stalking complaint with police after angry protesters hounded him out of two Queensland homes. A police spokeswoman today confirmed police were investigating the complaint. She said Ferguson, who placed himself in voluntary police custody on Thursday, made the complaint after protesters hounded him out of two residences in 24 hours earlier this week. The notorious paedophile was forced out of his Murgon home, north west of Brisbane on Tuesday after the community outed his whereabouts. He sought shelter in Ipswich - 250km away - only to be forced out of a home there less than a day later. The Queensland Government said Ferguson sought police protection after vigilante groups reportedly threatened to kill him and burn his house down. The spokeswoman said Ferguson was no longer in voluntary police custody. Brisbane's Courier-Mail newspaper today said it was believed Ferguson was back in the community and staying in an inner-suburban boarding house, described as being located in an industrial area. Ferguson was released from prison in January 2003 after serving a 14-year term for raping three children. Daily Telegraph (5-2-2005) |
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THE Queensland Nationals have been accused of playing redneck politics for inciting communities to protest outside any place where notorious paedophile Dennis Ferguson resides. Nationals deputy leader Jeff Seeney yesterday urged "every single community" where Ferguson set foot to protest to ensure the Queensland government strengthens its pedophile laws. Ferguson has been run out of the south-east Queensland town of Murgon and city of Ipswich – about 1800km apart – in the past two days. Vigilante groups had targeted his home, throwing rocks on the roof, yelling, holding placards and banging on the side of the house. He is believed to be in hiding under the care of a church community group. Queensland Premier Peter Beattie accused Mr Seeney of "playing redneck politics" and inciting dangerous behaviour. "I think that the National Party would do and say anything to try and win a vote," Mr Beattie said. "What they are doing is following a redneck strategy. I don't believe that is in the best interests of Queensland." Mr Beattie again appealed to people not to take the law into their own hands. "This is a job for the police," he said. "We need to take a deep breath. I remain deeply concerned that a Dennis Ferguson lookalike – an innocent person – may end up being bashed." The Liberal Party moved to distance itself from the stance of its former coalition partner. "Mr Seeney's suggestion to form a mob will not protect one single child and is not supported in any way by the Liberal Party," deputy leader Bruce Flegg said. But Nationals leader Lawrence Springborg stood by his deputy, rejecting Mr Beattie's redneck criticisms. "The Nationals are standing up for the children of Queensland, and we are standing up for the right of communities to protest against stupid laws," Mr Springborg said. "Nobody in their right mind can argue that it is sensible to have laws that allow a convicted paedophile to locate next to a childcare centre when they are released from jail." Mr Springborg said special residential accommodation areas were needed for at-risk pedophiles, along similar lines to those recently introduced in the UK. Ferguson was released from prison in January 2003 after serving a 14 year term for raping three children. He was jailed in New South Wales last year after failing to tell police he had taken a job that could have given him access to children. Prisoner advocacy group Justice Action said it was prepared to take responsibility for Ferguson's future behaviour through its mentoring system and offered him community housing. AAP 03-2-2005 |
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Convicted paedophile Dennis Ferguson has been run out of town just days after renting a house at Murgon in south-eastern Queensland. The community became concerned after it was revealed Mr Ferguson was living within a block of a child care centre. A group of residents has been protesting outside the house for much of the day. Murgon Mayor Warren Hubner says Mr Ferguson is not welcome in the small town. "The landlord wanted him out of his premises and there was a group gathering on the footpath outside," he said. "Police escorted him out of those premises and he's at the police station at the present time. "I believe the gentlemen is now making arrangements for accommodation outside of our region." Mr Hubner says the community was not willing to put out the welcome mat. "The place where he picked up residence was only about 200 metres down the street from a child care centre, which I believe was totally inappropriate," he said. www.abc.net (1-2-2005) |
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ONE of Queensland's most notorious pedophiles will again be released from Jail this week amid increasing support for a national summit on child abuse. Dennis Raymond Ferguson, 55, will finish his 15-month stint in a New South Wales jail for failing to tell police about a new job which may have given him access to children. Ferguson had previously served a 14-year jail term in Queensland for attacking three young children, but failed to complete a rehabilitation program or even admit his crimes. The public outcry over Ferguson's release in January last year prompted Attorney-General Rod Welford to devise means of keeping dangerous sex offenders in jail indefinitely. Mr Welford introduced the so-called Pardon laws - named after their first target, serial rapist Robert John Fardon - but could do nothing to keep Ferguson in Jail. When Ferguson walks free this week, he will be on sex offender registers and must keep notifying police of his place of residence and employment. Premier Peter Beattie, unaware of any move by Ferguson to return to Queensland, said bail conditions and registers existed to protect people against recidivist sex offenders. Mr Beattie said Ferguson should not ignore his legal obligations and "he'll keep going back to jail if he keeps doing it". Mr Beattie threw his support behind NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney's call for a national summit on child abuse, saying Queensland would be willing to take part. "As you know, Queensland has gone to hell and back in this area," Mr Beattie said. "We've had the (Crime and Misconduct Commission) examination of our record and we've reorganised all our departments. "In essence, Queensland probably leads Australia with dealing with these issues now." Mr Moroney said community and government agencies needed to confront child abuse, realise the magnitude of the problem and look at the support being provided to victims. He made the comments as it emerged NSW police had referred 400 charges against 130 offenders in less than a year. "I think this is just the tip of the iceberg," Mr Moroney said. "This is not an issue we can any longer speak about in hushed tones or behind closed doors. We cannot pretend it is not there." Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said state and territory authorities were keen to share information and he would be interested to see how a summit could improve that process. "There is always opportunity to do things better than we are doing now," Mr Atkinson said. Western Australia's Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan backed Mr Moroney, as did Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon. "Young people who are victims of abuse suffer enormously," Ms Nixon said. "They're the ones who often end up in our criminal justice system (and) end up with a great deal of mental illness as well. So if we can find ways to prevent it then we'd be a mile in front." The Courier Mail (13-12-2004) Sean Parnell |
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Convicted paedophile Dennis Ferguson is back behind bars after he allegedly failed to tell police of a new job which may have brought him into contact with children. Ferguson, 55, walked free from a Queensland prison in January after serving a 15-year term for sexually attacking three children. On Wednesday, he was refused bail after a Sydney court was told he had gone to a school and allegedly represented a company whose charter was distributing cleaning products to groups needing to raise funds. NSW Police arrested Ferguson on a charge of failing to comply with reporting conditions (Child Protection Offenders' Registration), which includes an obligation he inform police of employment. The offence carries a maximum penalty of two years' prison and a fine of up to $11,000. In a statement of facts tendered to Parramatta Local Court, it was alleged Ferguson went to Parramatta Public School on August 13 and delivered a pamphlet for the company. Police prosecutor Rob Baillie alleged Ferguson did not want police to know he had the job - which involved marketing products to schools, charities and other groups. However, defence counsel Mark Gunning told the court his client maintained he was not employed by the company, and therefore did not inform police. Ferguson had discussed the possibility of becoming an independent contractor with the company, Mr Gunning added. He told the court his client had received death threats in Queensland and had moved to Sydney where, within three days of arriving on May 26, he had opened a telephone account and a post office box in the name of the company. However, his client had done this because he feared further threats if he used his own name. During an application for bail, Mr Gunning said his client was prepared to stay away from schools and could live with his Sydney-based mother. However, Magistrate Graham Johnson refused bail, after saying people involved in sex offences against children are often repeat offenders. "It may be a coincidence he went to a public school, but it is a matter of concern," Mr Johnson said. He added it was not an easy task weighing the conflicting interests of community safety and Ferguson's general right to liberty. However, on this occasion it was the magistrate's view protection of the community should prevail. Ferguson, whose counsel had applied for a suppression order due to the convicted paedophile's fear of threats, was remanded in custody to face the same court on Thursday. Outside court, Child Protection squad Chief Inspector Bob Sullivan said Ferguson had been under police observation since his arrival in NSW. "When he came to NSW, as a person we consider to be possibly a high risk offender, he's somebody that we began monitoring," Insp Sullivan said. The Bulletin (17-9-2003) |
Second 'Redneck' Accusation (4-2-2005)
No Go Zone Planned For Paeodphiles (3-2-2005)
Residents Hound Pedophile (2-2-2005)
Deviant Hidden By Law (1-2-2005)
Predator Holidays In Bundy (31-1-2005)
Dutton Calls For State Attorney-General To Be Sackes Over Ferguson (9-1-2003)
Jail May Be The Only Place Child Rapist Will Find Peace And Quiet (16-12-2004)
Paedophile Walks Free Again (15-12-2004)
Paedophile Ferguson arrives in Brisbane (Dec 2004)
Court Upholds Sex Offender Law (2-10-2004)
Australian News
About Child Pornography
Sex Offenders- Electronic Tagging
Chemical Castration
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