NSW Attorney-General begins process to change ‘inadequate’ sentence law

Following a story by The Daily Telegraph, NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman has begun seeking advice on toughening “inadeqate” sentencing laws for sex offenders.

Attorney General Mark Speakman has taken the first step in changing an error in state sex assault laws helping predators get lenient jail terms by forcing judges to stick to outdated sentencing practices.

The Daily Telegraph bought the error to the state government’s attention on Friday after survivors of serial sex predator Gregory Richardson told how his case was affected by the “inadequate” law.

The Department of Justice and Communities have since received a letter from Mr Speakman asking for advice on amending the law.

“This is a complex area of law and is being carefully considered. The Department of Justice and Communities will provide advice to the Attorney General as soon as possible,” the spokeswoman said.

Victims of predator Gregory Richardson, Moll-Kate Wilson (left) and Emma Collins (right). Picture: Julian Andrews

At Richardson’s sentencing in October, Judge Peter Berman SC slammed out-of-date legislation requiring him to use historical sentencing practices regarding offences against two females, aged 16 and 25, and current penalties for the two girls under 16.

Reforms were introduced in 2018 so paedophiles would get tougher sentences in regards to historical offences.

But the commission overlooked adopting the same sentencing measures on historical sex offences perpetrated against teenagers and victims aged 16 and over.

For national sexual assault support contact 1800 ­RESPECT on 1800 737 732.