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This article is related to the ("MAKO") community notification of convicted paedophile Mark Freinick.(TAS-2004).
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POLICE have launched a criminal investigation into the group responsible for the letterbox drop that identified a convicted pedophile living in a Hobart suburb. Tasmania Police inspector George Piechowiak yesterday labelled the move as "irresponsible and dangerous" and said it had placed members of the community at risk. It comes after the South-Australian-based Movement Against Kindred Offenders, or MAKO, announced on Sunday that 500 leaflets had been distributed around Ctaremont in its first "notification" in Tasmania. The group, which is understood to have a handful of members in Tasmania, says it is clamping down on the nation's child-sex offenders, Insp Piechowiak said the letterbox drop increased the risk of assault or property damage through mistaken identity. And any act that targeted the man identified in the leaffet, or his family, would also be treated as a criminal offence, he said. "I am concerned about the way this matter has occurred," Insp Piechowiak said yesterday. "CIB are Investigating it. "And we will be making patrols in the area ... we won't tolerate any vigilante-style activities." But a Tasmanian MAKO member, who said yesterday she did not want to be named, rejected the criticism. "I don't think it was irresponsible at all," she said. "You ask parents if they think it is irresponsible to be told you are living next to, a convicted pedophile?" The State Government, the Opposition parties and child abuse survivor and lobbyist Steve Fisher also voiced concerns over MAKO's actions yesterday. Police Minister David Llewellyn said: "The State Government does not condone the action of the MAKO organisation." Mr Llewellyn said national authorities continued to work on an Australia-wide register of child-sex offenders. Liberal justice spokesman Michael Hodgman said it showed a need for more sex offender rehabilitation programs, both in jail and the community, Mr Hodgman said police should be given the power to inform parents if a convicted pedophile lived nearby. Tasmanian Greens justice spokesman Nick McKim said MAKO'S move had "damaged the public debate on the need to have a commission of inquiry into child abuse and focused on something that is more salacious and less productive". Mr Fisher said he could understand MAKO's frustration with a lack of action by authorities on child-sex abuse issues. "But (the leaflet drop) is fraught with danger," he said. On Tuesday it emerged that the 41-year-old man Identified in MAKO's leaflet has cerebral palsy, lives with his parents and is on medication to lower his libido. He has not reoffended in 10 years. The Mercury (19-8-2004) Danny Rose |
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STREET TALK Do you believe neighbours should be given the name and address of child-sex offenders if they move into their suburb? Yes. This should have started a long time ago. Why should these people who are sick on the head be allowed to hide. Communities should be aware of dangerous people living around them. B. Burns- Richmond (66yrs) Yes. That's a good idea. J. Abbott- Kingston (60yrs) Yes. Even better would be appropriate legislation where the whereabouts of sex offenders are listed across the country for the public's knowledge. H. Abbott- Kingston (60yrs) Yes. People have the right to know that knid of information. Children need to be protected. M. Brandall- Lenah Valley Yes. Parents with kids in these areas, who are potential victims themselves, should know. D. McArthur- Kingston. The Mercury (tas) |
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Letter To The Editor PAEDOPHILES- The fact remains that the man identified in the Movement Against Kindred Offenders' recent notification is a repeat sex- offender with prior convictions for, similar offences. The fact that this man has cerebral palsy is irrelevant. It did not hinder the capacity to sexually assault children. Victims of sexual abuse live with the torment all otheir lives. With the recidivism rate of pedophiles being around 80%, there is always a potential risk of re-offending. Community notifications are only carried out on repeat offenders and circulated in the offenders are of residence. MAKO notifications are not intended to incite violence towards the offenders or their families. The intention is to make the community aware and protect children from the potential risks posed by individuals who have committed-sex offences in the past and to deter pedophiles from offending or re-offending. MAKO agrees that it is the responsibility of a higher authority to inform the community of potential risks to children. But while no authority exists, it is obvious that individuls concerned for the safety of children feel compelled to act. Prevention must be a priority. Claremont (21-8-2004) The Mercury (tas) |
Flyer Lifts Lid On Child Sex Offence
Group Criticises Paedophile Identifying Letter Drop
Prevention in action
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