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Proposal to let sex offender use Centrelink payments for prostitutes

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Category: Uncategorised

Created: Wednesday, 10 July 2019 18:27

Written by Tegan Sapwell - 9News.com.au

There are calls for the WA Attorney General to intervene after a dangerous sex offender was freed by a judge and allowed to see prostitutes to control his urges.

Edward Latimer was filmed propositioning women on the street, months after his last release, and was returned to prison.

Now, he's days away from being freed a second time, despite the judge finding he's a serious danger to the community.

In the 61 page judgment handed down in the Supreme Court, a psychiatrist said seeing sex workers wouldn't be a "bullet proof" guarantee Edward Latimer won't re-offend, but it would offer some protection.

 

She suggested he receive help budgeting his Centrelink benefits to pay for it, noting he should be able to afford to see prostitutes once a month.

"The use of prostitution is no mechanism to keep the community safe," Opposition spokesperson Nick Goiron told 9News. "This decision is a kick in the guts to victims of sexual abuse."

Mr Goiron is urging the government to intervene, but Attorney General John Quigley said proper process has been followed.

 

"The last time Latimer committed an offence was 16 years ago in 2003, we can't keep people in prison forever," he said.

 

Mr Quigley said Latimer should be allowed to spend his money on whatever he wishes, as long as it's legal.

Latimer, 61, will be released within 21 days under a ten year supervision order.

He'll have to abide by 52 conditions, including no alcohol or pornography and a strict curfew.

He will need approval before seeking the services of sex workers.

Edward Latimer has a rap sheet dating back decades.

He's spent most of his adult life in prison for sexual assaults and exposure.