TikTok star and ‘proud trans woman’ Rachel Queen Burton claims to have been mistreated while held in SA prison system

A pedophile who won online acclaim as a “proud trans woman” claims to have been mistreated in prison – but authorities say every resource and support has been provided.

A TikTok star who earned acclaim as a “proud trans woman” – but who is, victims say, a “gross, phony” pedophile – has complained of suffering poor treatment and harsh conditions in prison.

Rachel Queen Burton has filed a sworn affidavit with the District Court in support of a bid to avoid a lengthy prison term for repeatedly abusing two children.

The Advertiser understands that, in the affidavit, Burton complains of being harassed by other inmates at Mount Gambier Prison, and a lack of attention toward wellbeing and safety.

Those claims have been rejected in written responses from the Department for Correctional Services’ deputy chief executive, Hayley Mills, and senior staffer Belinda Hirschbichler.

Burton earned acclaim on TikTok before being arrested. Picture: TikTok.

Neither the complaint nor responses have been released by the court, but a Department spokeswoman stressed transgender prisoners were supported in custody.

“There are very low numbers of prisoners who identify as transgender … we are unable to disclose (an exact) figure due to the risk of identification,” she said.

“The safety of all prisoners is at the centre of decision-making processes.

“The department’s relevant policies ensure transgender and intersex offenders and prisoners are treated with equivalent respect and dignity that is accorded to all offenders.”

Burton has complained of allegedly poor treatment within the prison system. Picture: TikTok

Burton, 44, of Coolalinga in the Northern Territory, pleaded guilty to aggravated counts of producing and possessing child exploitation material, gross indecency and indecent assault.

The offences occurred at various regional SA locations in 2019, prior to Burton’s star rising on the social media app with an account boasting 36,100 followers.

Burton faces a maximum 14-year prison term which, under SA law, must be served in custody – it cannot be suspended nor result in home detention.

In February, the victims denounced Burton as a “gross, phony, self-indulgent” pedophile who was “wearing a mask”, and who had stalked them into homelessness after the abuse.

Burton was, they said, “a monster” who made them feel “sick to the stomach” – and one who, they feared, would “find them” if not jailed.

Burton pleaded guilty to the repeated sexual abuse of two children and has yet to be sentenced. Picture: TikTok

This week, Burton’s scheduled sentencing submissions hearing was postponed after prosecutors tendered the responses authored by Ms Mills and Ms Hirschbichler.

Ahura Kalali, for Burton, said his client required further time as a result.

“Clearly, in response to this new material we may need to get another affidavit and we will have to see what follows from that,” he said.

“We may wish to call oral evidence from my client.”

Judge Rauf Soulio remanded Burton in custody until next month.

Burton’s counsel has asked for further time, and says his client may give evidence from the witness box to support the claims. Picture: TikTok

In a statement, the Department’s spokeswoman said a “multidisciplinary team” assessed and responded to “to the needs of transgender people who come to prison”.

That “thorough assessment and planning”, she said, leads to the creation of a “comprehensive management plan” to “ensure appropriate placement and supports are in place”.

“This plan will determine the prisoner’s accommodation placement and take into consideration the needs and risks of accommodating the prisoner,” she said.

“It also takes into account the safety of the prisoner and the general prison population … this assessment is done on an case-by-case basis.

“The Department is committed to meeting the needs of transgender and intersex offenders and prisoners, while seeking to ensure their safety and the safety of others is not compromised.”