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CONVICTED pedophiles could be banned from living near schools and childcare centres as the State Government attempts to defuse community anger over sex offender Dennis Ferguson. Ferguson last night was forced out of yet another city when protesters targeted him at a house in Ipswich where he had sought refuge after being run out of the small town of Murgon, northwest of Brisbane, on Tuesday. A doctor who has treated Ferguson said the build-up of community anger could push the convicted pedophile into offending again. Premier Peter Beattie said yesterday the Government would examine whether to place restrictions on where pedophiles could live when they were released from jail. But he questioned if the move would reduce the likelihood of pedophiles reoffending. The Opposition yesterday demanded pedophiles be put into institutions, but Mr Beattie called for calm and urged Queenslanders not to become vigilantes. "I understand how people feel about this, but the reality is he's been to jail, he's done his time. The tough pedophile laws that we have now will ensure he is monitored and followed," he said. "Let's not have some sort of stupid vigilante-type approach fanned by the media for very stupid reasons." Ferguson was released from jail in January 2003 after serving 14 years for raping three children. He did not complete a rehabilitation program or admit his crimes. He was jailed again in NSW last year for failing to tell police he had taken a job which may have given him access to children. He has since returned to Queensland but has been hounded by angry residents in communities, including Toowoomba and Bundaberg. A police spokesman last night said Mr Ferguson had been removed from the Ipswich residence at his own request. It was unknown where he would be going next. Dr Wendell Rosevear, who specialises in counselling sex offenders and male victims, dealt with Ferguson when he was released from jail two years ago. Dr Rosevear said television footage of Ferguson in Murgon lashing out at media and protesters showed he was reacting to the community's anger. "We saw the actions of a desperate person who does not feel safe anywhere any more," Dr Rosevear said. "I do believe that he wants help. "I'm very respectful of the people's anger but we need to use that to make the situation better, not worse." Queensland University of Technology senior lecturer and criminologist Tricia Fox said Ferguson had displayed the character of a "classic predator-type pedophile" in the past. She said vigilantes would only fuel his previous attitude that the community did not understand him. "Making him feel uncomfortable at this time will just mean that he will move on and keep moving on. It doesn't achieve anything in terms of prohibition," Dr Fox said. Opposition Deputy Leader Jeff Seeney, whose electorate includes Murgon, called on all communities that became home to Ferguson to protest so the Government would tighten the laws. Mr Seeney said 519 serious sex offenders had walked free from Queensland prisons in the past five years without completing rehabilitation and they should be put into institutions indefinitely. Queensland Council of Civil Liberties vice-president Terry O'Gorman called for police to investigate if vigilantes or the media had committed a stalking offence against Ferguson. "Everyone is equal before the law," Mr O'Gorman said. "Mr Ferguson has done his time. He has certain basic civil rights, and the law is there to ensure that his civil rights, as well as everyone else's, are properly enforced." He said Mr Beattie should consider making it an offence for media to report the whereabouts of released pedophiles. AAP (3-2-2005) Rosemary Odgers/ Scott Murdoch/ Tony Keim/ Tanya Moore |
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POLICE last night drove convicted paedophile Dennis Ferguson away from the Ipswich home where he had been staying after a dramatic day of protests. A marked police car escorted Mr Ferguson from the home about 7.30pm, just as a fierce thunderstorm broke overhead. Premier Peter Beattie also weathered a political storm and said the Queensland government would examine new restrictions on paedophiles released from prison. This followed two days of protests from Murgon and Ipswich residents, sparked by attempts by Mr Ferguson to settle in the areas. Premier Beattie said the state government would investigate the feasibility of restricting released paedophiles from living near kindergartens, child care centres, schools, or other places where children gathered. Acting Police Minister Robert Schwarten said the government would also consider enforcing more frequent reporting to police. "This register has only been in operation for a month. This is a new area of law for all of us. We are all exploring new possibilities in this country and indeed in this state and the Queensland government is open to any suggestions that will be truly worthwhile," he said. AAP (3-2-2005) Tony Moore |
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