Serial SA child sex predator Mark Trevor Marshall agrees to postpone bid for release from jail to undergo tailored trauma treatment

SERIAL child sex offender Mark Trevor Marshall has agreed to postpone his release bid in order to undertake vital post-traumatic stress counselling that will bolster his rehabilitation.

Supplied Editorial FW: Serial pedophile Mark Trevor Marshall, taken June 2013. Source: Supplied.

SERIAL child sex offender Mark Trevor Marshall has agreed to postpone his release bid in order to undertake vital post-traumatic stress counselling that will bolster his rehabilitation.

In the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Marshall consented to a six-month delay of his application to be permitted back into the community under strict licensing conditions.

He agreed to undergo a “tailored” program to address trauma issues dating back to his own childhood — provided his application was not forgotten.

“I’m willing to postpone it as long as there’s a guarantee that this isn’t going to drag out, that it will be heard later this year as a normal application,” he said.

Justice Ann Vanstone told Marshall that was her plan but cautioned there “are no guarantees in litigation”.

Marshall, 47, has a history of abusing children dating back to 1987 and was detailed indefinitely after being deemed unwilling or unable to control his sexual instincts.

He first sought release in 2011, but remained in custody because suitable accommodation could not be found.

The Advertiser subsequently revealed prison authorities had found photographs and names of children, as well as maps of suburbs, in Marshall’s cell.

Contraband material was found again during his 2014 release bid, which Marshall ultimately abandoned after intervention by the State Government.

Two weeks ago, specialists recommended Marshall’s longstanding post-traumatic stress, arising from incidents in his childhood, be treated before any release was considered.

They said such treatment could not be undertaken in prison — on Tuesday, however, prosecutors told the court arrangements had been made for Marshall to undergo a “tailored” program.

Justice Vanstone adjourned Marshall’s application until December.

“I think you’ve made the right decision, Mr Marshall, because you have a better chance of release after that treatment,” she said.

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