A serial child rapist has been re-arrested in South Australia, just days after being controversially released from prison. The individual, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was allowed to leave prison ahead of a sentencing hearing for a separate crime in Canberra. However, he was detained again following a text message he sent to one of his victims, which triggered intervention order violations.
Mike Worsman, who was sexually assaulted by the offender at the age of 12, was present in court during the sentencing hearing and urged the judge to impose a prison sentence. Worsman expressed his fears regarding the offender’s potential to harm other children, stating, “The impact of his freedom… is that I, and my family, will never feel safe.” He added that the situation is terrifying and that he feels a responsibility to protect his family and community from the offender.
The case was adjourned, with the man expected to receive his sentence on Thursday. His arrest during a police check-in occurred after ACT police were notified about the inappropriate text message he sent Worsman. Worsman expressed frustration over the delay in the police response, questioning why action wasn’t taken sooner. “The victim voice is something I see as being disregarded throughout the system,” he commented.
Previously, Worsman campaigned against the offender’s release after he completed a five-year prison sentence in South Australia for another child rape case. The offender had been granted permission to travel unaccompanied to Canberra and was subsequently released on bail pending his sentencing, a decision that has sparked considerable public outrage.