Convicted rapist Robert Fardon pleads guilty to failing to comply with reporting conditions unlicensed driving

Authorities did not know where one of Queensland’s most notorious rapists was living for a “lengthy period” of this year despite him being subject to supervision, it can be revealed.

Authorities did not know where one of Queensland’s most notorious rapists was living for a “lengthy period” of this year despite him being subject to supervision.

Vile sex offender Robert John Fardon, who spent 30 years behind bars until his release in 2019, appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court after being arrested by police yesterday.

Fardon, whose horrifying crimes include the rape of a 12-year-old at gunpoint, today pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to comply with reporting conditions and one count of unlicensed driving.

The court heard police intercepted Fardon driving in Wacol on January 17 without a licence which had been demerit points suspended.

When asked why he was driving without a licence Fardon told police “because I can”.

Police prosecutor Sen Sgt Wade Domagala said police established Fardon had been living on the streets since moving out of a hotel on December 31 and not informing authorities.

Convicted rapist Robert John Fardon was released from prison in 2013.

Fardon was again picked up on February 19 living at an unreported address in the city. He told officers he had moved out of his previous address due to threats from other occupants.

The court heard he then moved out of that address without informing police.

He was located at another address telling police he’d been threatened at the former residence and had travelled to the Gold Coast by train, slept rough and returned to Brisbane.

The court heard he had racked up about $2000 in traffic fines since being released from prison.

Legal Aid duty lawyer Rebecca Mann said Fardon struggled with homelessness but he had not breached his reporting conditions in almost three years. She said he was subjected to threats when others in accommodation places found out who he was.

Addressing the court Fardon, who appeared via videolink, said:

“It’s been difficult for me. I’ve been detected for who I am and what I am and it’s forced me to flee”.

Magistrate Robbie Davies said it was extremely important for authorities to know where Fardon was living given his background of serious sexual offending.

“The police need to know where these people live so they can be located at an instant if there’s an allegation,” he said.

“There were two lengthy periods where you didn’t tell them (your address) where you’re absolutely required to.”

Mr Davies said there was no suggestion of any sexual offending during those periods.

He said if Fardon was a bit younger and not homeless he’d sentence him to community service.

He said probation wasn’t appropriate because Fardon was already under supervision and prison was a sentence of last resort.

He opted to fine Fardon $650 and disqualify him from driving for six months. Convictions were recorded.

In a separate case dangerous, sex offender Stuart William Armstrong was also arrested overnight.

Armstrong, who had a 21-year history of attacking women, is charged with two counts of contravening the supervision order he was released from prison on in 2011.

Police allege Armstrong tampered with a tracking device and when officers went to his Rocklea address, he took off on a motorbike.

Police allege officers returned a few hours later where they found Armstrong but the device had been removed. He is due to appear in the Supreme Court on Monday.

Police said officers undertake a wide range of activities to monitor, detect and prevent offending by reportable offenders.

Activities include unannounced home visits, reviewing online and social media activities and forensic examination of digital devices.