Central Qld child sex offender John Anthony Daly, 67, caught breaching conditions

A registered child sex offender has been busted in Central Queensland not complying with strict requirements. Here’s what happened.

A registered child sex offender has faced a Central Queensland court for not complying with strict reporting conditions.

John Anthony Daly, 67, pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court on September 29 to his offending.

Police prosecutor Mirren Smith said Daly was subject to a five-year order under the Child Protection Act which required him to report in February, May, August and November.

“A review of this system revealed that at no stage did (Daly) make the periodic report in the reporting month of August this year as required,” Ms Smith said.

Ms Smith said on September 5, Daly attended a police station where he voluntarily participated in an interview.

“He appeared to be remorseful for his actions and stated that he knew that he had to report, however just forgot to do so,” Ms Smith said.

Daly was subsequently charged.

Ms Smith tendered Daly’s criminal history which she said was half a page in length.

Solicitor Krissy Cummins said Daly, a single aged pensioner, had been reporting “for almost three years without having missed a time”.

“I’m instructed that he just forgot to report on this occasion,” Ms Cummins said.

Ms Cummins said a family member was in court in support of Daly and she explained that Daly had been diagnosed with PTSD and he was receiving further assistance.

Acting Magistrate Ron Muirhead told Daly this charge carried “very heavy penalties” which could be fines or imprisonment.

“So it’s very serious - there’s no doubt about that,” Mr Muirhead said.

Mr Muirhead took into account it was the first time that Daly had failed to report and he fined him $800.

A conviction was recorded.