SA serial sex predator Gavin Shaun Schuster to spend at least six more months in jail as hunt for accommodation goes on

A SERIAL sex offender whose crimes date back to his 12th birthday — and are triggered by frustration with daily life — will not be released for at least six months

A SERIAL sex offender whose crimes date back to his 12th birthday — and are triggered by frustration with daily life — will not be released for at least six months.

The Supreme Court today heard suitable accommodation could not be found for Gavin Shaun Schuster.

Emma Wildman, prosecuting, said the Department for Correctional Services and Anglicare had searched unsuccessfully for somewhere to house the sex offender.

“The Department is still working with Anglicare to assess some other locations and, if unsuccessful, will turn to the Offenders Aid Rehabilitation Service and Housing Trust,” she said.

“It’s been indicated to me that nothing would be in place for at least several months on the best-case scenario.”

Schuster, 38, has spent most of the past 18 years in prison for his crimes, and the youngest of his victims was aged just six.

In 2000, the court dubbed him a sex predator unwilling or incapable of controlling his instincts, and therefore deserving of indefinite detention.

Despite that decision, Schuster sought release on licence in 2008 — only to breach his conditions within three months and be returned to prison.

In March last year he sought release again, at which time authorities promised he would “be a virtual prisoner in his home” due to a paedophile restraining order.

Even so, Parole Board chair Frances Nelson, QC, warned Schuster “remained a serious risk” of reoffending even with strict conditions and monitoring.

Prosecutors asked the court reconsider Schuster’s release on licence.

His doctors, meanwhile, described him as being of borderline-retarded intelligence and preferring the company of children — whom he harmed when angered.

Today, Ms Wildman suggested the court cancel Schuster’s release on licence and require he reapply when suitable accommodation was found.

George Mancini, for Schuster, opposed that course.

Justice John Sulan said he would adjourn the application for six months, at which time he would review its progress and decide the course of the case.

He remanded Schuster in custody until April next year.