Sarah Cafferkey murder: Coroner finds need for better reins on serious violent offenders
SUPERVISION orders that keep watch on serious sex offenders should also be used for violent criminals, a coroner has found in the wake of the murder of Sarah Cafferkey.
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SUPERVISION orders that keep watch on serious sex offenders should also be used for violent criminals, a coroner has found in the wake of the murder of Sarah Cafferkey.
State Coroner Ian Gray suggested the same orders apply to serious violent offenders who are considered a risk to the community.
The recommendation will be put to the state government for review as part of the coronial inquest into the tragic death of the 22-year-old in 2012.
Convicted killer Steven James Hunter pleaded guilty to Ms Cafferkey’s death.
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Hunter’s parole had expired just nine days before he murdered Ms Cafferkey in his Bacchus Marsh unit in November, 2012.
He was previously convicted of the murder of a female co-worker in a stabbing attack in 1986, and his criminal career spanned two decades.
Mr Gray said significant flaws existed in case workers and clinicians reports that were forwarded to the Adult Parole Board for consideration.
Mr Gray said Hunter knew how to “play the system” and his drug use and attitudes towards violence, particularly towards women, should have raised alarm bells with his clinician and case worker, stating there was “a lack of rigour”.
During his parole, it was not a condition he be drug tested despite self reporting.
Hunter was on ice when he stabbed Ms Cafferkey to death.
Mr Gray was particularly critical over a “non-completion” report not handed to the Adult Parole Board.
Supervision orders have been used in Victoria since 2005, with sex offenders required to comply with conditions aimed at protecting the community after their sentence has expired.