A criminal psychologist fears the Night Stalker rapist plaguing the Gold Coast could turn to murder

THE sexual predator stalking women on the Gold Coast could revert to violence or even murder if he is not caught soon, a criminal psychologist has revealed.

A view of Edmund Rice Drive in Southport where the Night Stalker rapist has been linked to two attacks.

THE sexual predator stalking women on the Gold Coast could revert to violence or even murder if he is not caught soon.

Bond University criminologist Wayne Petherick said rape was a complex crime with a number of driving motivations, but there was generally five types of predators: reassurance rapists, assertive rapists, retaliatory rapists, perversely angry rapists and sadists.

Police have launched a major operation to catch a sexual predator who, over 13 years, is linked to at least four sexual assaults on the Gold Coast and south Brisbane, and suspected of four more.

The attacks have ranged in time from 2005 to just last month at Molendinar.

A description of the man has not been released, with police revealing each victim’s description of night attacks vary.

The victims range in age from a teenager to women in their 60s and the offender has gained access through an unlocked door or window every time.

Police have a team of up to 40 detectives working the case and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Though he did not have intricate knowledge of the case, Dr Petherick believed the wanted man could fall into the reassurance rapists or assertive rapists categories.

There are fears a serial rapist plaguing the Gold Coast could turn to violence.

“When looking at sex offenders we still turn to methodologies developed in the 1970s which break rapists into categories,” he said.

“The reassurance rapist is trying to establish a relationship with the women he attacks.

“This person has low self-esteem and a warped sense that if he continues to rape women, eventually one will reciprocate his affections and be in a relationship with him.

“This is the kind of rapist who will ask specific questions. There is not generally any violence, but if he continues to be rejected this can spark anger and escalation.

“Often it is thought this kind won’t escalate, but if they don’t get what they want they can become very angry. They feel their feelings should be returned, leading to frustration and anger.

“The assertive rapist, who also has low self-esteem, rapes because he can. The attacks make him feel better about himself. It gives him power over something.

“With these two kinds there are triggers that will cause him to offend -- money problems, a fight with a loved one, a problem at work.

“This could suggest the gaps in this rapist’s offending, but it is more likely that there are more victims out there.”

Dr Petherick said the “retaliatory rapist” targets a particular person because of their race, age, religion or affiliations.

“The retaliatory is very specific, so I don’t think it would be this type in this case,” he said.

“The perversely angry rapist is not angry at a particular group, they are just angry.

“The sadist is one where if you had this kind on your hands, you would know. These are incredibly violent attacks that are prolonged and can include mutilation, torture and ultimately death.”

“I have worked serial rape cases before and sometimes it sounds like everything they say (to the victims) is different, but it’s not, you need to look at the subtext.

“It is such a complex field, this case could take some time to crack, unless there is a lucky break.”

Acting Detective Superintendent Mark White confirmed since the appeal on Wednesday there had been 22 reports to Crime Stoppers.

He stopped short of revealing details given in the calls, but said police thanked the community for their assistance.

“Police are interested in speaking to anyone with information about anything suspicious in their neighbourhood,” he said.

“Something that seems unimportant to someone could be the vital piece of information we need.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.