Self-described ‘beauty icon’ tells court she should be spared sex crime prison term due to undiagnosed mental illness
She sexually abused a boy, 16, for two years, but this model and actor says a previously undiagnosed mental illness is truly to blame.
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A self-described “beauty icon” who sexually abused a boy, 16, for two years says she should be spared SA’s mandatory sex crime prison term – and has blamed undiagnosed mental illness for her offending.
In an extraordinary move on Thursday, model Megan Skye Blancada claimed borderline personality disorder made her less morally culpable than other sex offenders.
Marie Shaw KC, for Blancada, told the District Court her client should be released on a bond – even though state law requires sex offenders serve immediate prison terms.
“Her (previously) undiagnosed mental condition is a matter relevant to her moral culpability and one that places it within the court’s discretion to impose a bond,” she said.
“The fact she suffered that condition explains this offending.
“We appreciate it would be extremely exceptional for the court to take that course ... but for this diagnosis, I would not be asking the court to entertain this submission.”
Judge Anthony Allen said that would be difficult to accept.
“I’m obviously not going to prejudge this matter, but that would be a truly extraordinary course for this court to undertake,” he said.
Blancada, 34, of Salisbury East, is a self-described model, author and “beauty icon” who has appeared on reality TV shows and in movies including Wolf Creek.
In March, she pleaded guilty to one count of being an adult who had sexually abused a child.
That offence was committed against the boy, who was under the age of 16, at various locations between January 2021 and November 2023.
Under state law, that offence carries a maximum sentence of life and cannot be suspended nor served on home detention.
In April, however, Blancada’s counsel flagged their intent to argue her crime could be dealt with by way of a good behaviour bond.
On Thursday, Ms Shaw asked Blancada’s case be adjourned so she could seek expert reports to support her bid for a bond.
She also asked for time so Blancada could participate in a specialised borderline personality disorder treatment program, and for its conveners to report on her progress.
Rebecca Blumberg, prosecuting, said she did not oppose the adjournment – even though it was unnecessary.
“I query the relevance of the materials, as my ultimate submission is that the only appropriate sentence in this case is immediate imprisonment,” she said.
Judge Allen remanded Blancada on continuing bail to face sentencing submissions in January.
SAMSN provides support for male survivors of child sexual abuse: samsn.org.au, 1800 472 676.
Other support services include Lifeline 13 11 14: Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; and Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
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