Uncontrollable sex predator Thomas John Armfield, 62, applies for release in Supreme Court

A sexual predator who terrorised and raped Adelaide women of all ages for years is begging for release – as a court hears of multiple warnings.

An uncontrollable sexual predator who terrorised women from their teens to later years for seven years – both inside their homes and in public – is seeking release back into the community.

Thomas John Armfield, now 61, was jailed for 18 years in 2005 for multiple counts of rape, indecent assault, aggravated serious criminal trespass and assault.

He was detained indefinitely after being assessed as an uncontrollable sex offender.

On Wednesday, forensic psychiatrists Dr. Narain Nambiar and Dr Catherine Crouch gave evidence in the Supreme Court about Armfield’s ability to control his sexual impulses as part of his bid for freedom.

The court heard Dr Nambier found he still posed a “high risk” to the community, while Dr Crouch said he remained a “moderate to high” risk of sexual offending.

Thomas John Armfield in Supreme Court where he faced rape charges in 2005. Picture: Tim Ide

Between November 1997 and January 2002, Armfield, of Morphett Vale, attacked nine women, ranging in age from 18 to 72.

One victim was attacked beside a public telephone and said he would kill her if she screamed, and another as her daughter slept in the next room.

The 72-year-old was forced to perform degrading acts, while two women were assaulted as they stepped out of their showers.

“Armfield’s behaviour could be described as that of a sexual predator who, over many years, took whatever opportunities he could to satisfy his sexual urges,’’ Justice Tom Gray said during sentencing.

He said Armfield’s long criminal history took on a “voyeuristic and sexual nature’’ from 1990, when his marriage began to deteriorate.

He said he would have jailed Armfield for 27 years – but reduced it because Armfield surrendered himself to police and pleaded guilty to his crimes.

During the hearing – first filed for in December 2023 – the court heard Armitage had voluntarily begun taking anti-libidinal medication to suppress his sexual urges.

But it was told no court-imposed condition on his release could force him to keep taking the medication, and it was solely reliant on his own will.

Counsel for Armfield said their client had also begun medicating his bipolar disorder with mood stabilisers during his near-22 years in custody.

They further submitted he could be monitored electronically – but each doctor said it would show only where he was, not what he was doing.

The court heard housing stability, support systems and psychiatric treatment would be important to Armfield’s release into the community – if permitted.

Counsel for Armfield said they would need time to consider those conditions, and Justice Laura Stein adjourned the matter to a later date.

Originally published as Uncontrollable sex predator Thomas John Armfield, 62, applies for release in Supreme Court