Crackdown on killers getting early release, scouting for love on dating apps

Killers being kept in mental health facilities will need a judicial officer to agree they deserve to be let out into the community after The NSW Government listened to the outcry from victims’ families over ‘soft touch justice’.

The NSW Government will introduce tough new laws on Thursday to crack down on killers in mental health facilities getting quick release back into the community, using social media and trying to find love on dating apps.

In a major win for the Telegraph’s campaign against soft justice, current or former judicial officers will need to be part of the decision-making panel considering leave, where currently members of the tribunal without a legal background have the capacity to approve leave.

The Government will also seek to make it clear conditions may be imposed to restrict or prohibit forensic patient’s access to social media or other forms of online communication while on leave or release.

While there are currently no restrictions on the types of conditions that can be imposed for release and leave orders, social media and other online communication are not directly referenced.

The changes have been welcomed by advocates and victims of crime including the mother of 10-year-old Biddy Porter whose killer was out on supervised day release but had the visits revoked because they were deemed a danger to society.

Rebekah Porter, whose 10-year-old daughter was stabbed to death, has welcomed proposed changes to crack down on killers in mental health facilities. Picture: Dean Marzolla

The explosive details about the ghastly NSW homicide case did not surprise Biddy’s mum Rebekah Porter, who said she was convinced her daughter’s attacker would kill again and was furious they were given supervised day release less than three years after her daughter’s death.

Ms Porter commended Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson “for recognising the urgent need for reforms to the management of forensic patients”.

“This bill is a significant step towards enhancing the safety of our community and addressing the concerns of many victims like our Biddy and all those who loved them,” she said.

“We must continue our efforts to ensure reform to these systems that persistently fail us all.

In another shocking case, Jordan Brodie Miller, who strangled his girlfriend Emerald Wardle in 2020, has been found on dating apps after being given day release less than four years after the killing.

Ms Wardle’s aunty Kristy Smith also welcomed the reforms on behalf of “all of us who loved Emerald”.

Ten-year-old Biddy Porter was stabbed to death. Picture: Dean Marzolla

Emerald Wardle, 18, was found dead inside a Metford home. Source: Facebook.

“We feel this is a good first step toward ensuring that, as a society, we can maintain the safety of children like Biddy and valuable young men and women like Emerald in our community but we must continue to push for transparency and accountability in support of all victims of serious crimes and their families,” she said.

“I would like to personally thank Philip Donato MP and his office for his persistent advocacy not only for members of his electorate, but for those of us outside his electorate that have found ourselves without a voice until now.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said he was “very keen to make sure that victims of crime are better served by the justice system”.

“The Government understands that victims have endured pain and distress and we need to ensure that all aspects of the justice system operate in a way that eases their suffering,” he said.

Emma Wardle's parents Tania Simshauser, Mathew Wardle and aunty Kristy Smith. Emma was killed by her then boyfriend. Photographer: Adam Yip

“I believe these changes will provide a better level of support for victims and their families.”

Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson thanked those who engaged with the Government on the need for this change, particularly Rebekah Porter and all families of victims.

“Your strength in advocating for change in the face of heartbreak is incredible,” she said, also acknowledging parliamentary colleague Phil Donato for helping “lead the way and being a strong advocate for his community”.

The changes follow the $2.4 million recent investment in the Mental Health Review Tribunal to enable it to improve records, upgrade IT systems and develop a new case management system.

Clare Collins, Chair of Advocacy Australia, welcomed the proposed reforms “which are essential in helping to ensure the safety of the NSW community, especially our women”.

“But there is still much more work needed if we are to achieve transparency, accountability, and equity for all victims of serious crime,” she said.