MP calls for Smithfield child rapist to be returned to jail
Revelations a convicted paedophile and rapist is currently living in Smithfield have sparked outrage from a state MP, who has called for his return to jail.
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Revelations a convicted paedophile and rapist is living in Smithfield have sparked outrage from a state MP, who has called for his return to jail.
A hearing in the Supreme Court last week identified Brian Bowdidge as residing in Smithfield, The Daily Telegraph reported.
Mr Bowdidge was convicted of having intercourse with a child under 10-years old in 1992, and of raping an eight-year-old girl in 2001.
He was released from jail last year after breaching a condition of his extended supervision order, which expires in October this year.
At last week’s hearing, the state was successful in its motion to have Mr Bowdidge’s restricted access to female children widened to cover all children, after reportedly making the case he had recently expressed an interest in adult men.
Mr Bowdidge has an intellectual disability.
The news he was residing in Smithfield outraged Hugh McDermott, Labor’s Member for Prospect.
“This is someone who has been convicted and he’s stated openly that he’s having sexual urges towards potential victims,” Mr McDermott said.
“Someone with his pervasive appetites needs total supervision.
“The guy should be back in prison.”
Mr McDermott, who will run for re-election next month, said Mr Bowdidge’s disability does not excuse his crimes.
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“There’s a lot of people with disabilities, they don’t go raping little girls,” he said.
“When it comes to the protection of our children, that needs to be a priority.”
Mr McDermott has three daughters, aged from four to 14.
The Fairfield Advance repeatedly tried to contact Mr Bowdidge’s lawyer for comment, but she could not be reached before publication.