Convicted paedophile Timothy Salmon released despite reoffending risk

A 34-year-old Qld man jailed indefinitely after being identified as a serious danger to children has been granted a release from prison.

Despite years of criminal activity, including multiple child sexual offences, Salmon’s release raises concerns over public safety.

A “high risk” child molester jailed for a string of child sex offences in Bundaberg has been released from prison.

On Monday the Supreme Court of Brisbane ruled Timothy Salmon, a 34-year-old man with a lengthy criminal history, will be released from custody on a strict supervision order for a period of 10 years.

Salmon was detained indefinitely in 2022 following an application by the state government.

Monday’s decision followed a review of the order by the court.

The published decision said Salmon’s from 2008 to 2014 Salmon faced court for various dishonesty offences, before ultimately facing the Bundaberg District Court in February 2014 for sexual offence for count of unlawful carnal knowledge of a child under the age of 16.

Psychiatrists told the court Timothy Salmon, who has shown signs of high risk reoffending, remained a danger to the community despite treatment progress.

He pleaded guilty to the charge.

The girl was 14 years old and had autism.

The court heard at the time Salmon led the teen to a garden, pushed her down onto her hands and knees and raped her.

He was interrupted by the girl’s uncle who grabbed the Salmon by the throat.

He was sentenced to 18 months jail, to be suspended after serving six months with 144 days pre-sentence custody declared as time served on the sentence.

Between February 2014 and August 2019, Salmon appeared before various courts on multiple offences of dishonesty, drug offences and one failure to comply with reporting conditions pursuant to the Child Protection Act 2004.

The published decision said in August 2019 he pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to comply with reporting conditions, one count of indecent treatment of a child under 12, one count of possession of child exploitation material, one count of distributing child exploitation material.

This sexual offending occurred against a complainant who was then aged 9, the decision said.

Despite being under strict reporting conditions Salmon continued to breach orders and in 2022 the state’s Attorney-General applied for a detention order.

The court ruled Salmon posed a serious danger to the community and he was detained indefinitely.

On Monday the order was ended.

Justice Paul Freeburn found the risks could be reduced to a “moderate range” with proper supervision.

The published decision said two psychiatrists gave evidence of Salmon’s ongoing risk to the community.

One of the experts reported Salmon’s insight into his behaviour had improved but he still displayed significant psychopathic traits and a failure to take full responsibility for his actions.

“Mr Salmon has high levels of psychopathy and will attempt to give a version that he thinks meets his needs the best,” they said.

“He continues to have difficulties with emotional regulation and poor tolerance of other people, engaging in passive-aggressive behaviours and ruminating on negative situations.”

The second psychiatric expert said Salmon’s risk of reoffending was high due to factors including his paraphilia, limited self-awareness, and substance abuse issues.

“Sexual offending risk would be increased if Mr Salmon were to have access to a female child, which would most likely occur if he befriended the adult caregiver to the child,” they told the court.

Despite these concerns both psychiatrists acknowledged the respondent’s participation in treatment programs had shown some progress.

Justice Paul Freeburn found the risks could be reduced to a “moderate range” with proper supervision.

As part of the supervision order, the respondent will face stringent conditions, including a ban on contacting any child under 16 without approval of a corrective services offices, mandatory reporting of any such contact, and a ban on possessing or accessing child exploitation material, pornography, and images of children.

“The paramount consideration is the need to ensure adequate protection of the community,” Justice Freeburn said.

“I am satisfied that a supervision order, with the conditions proposed, will address the risk to an acceptable level.”

As part of the supervision order, the respondent will face stringent conditions, including a ban on contacting any child under 16 without approval of a corrective services officers, mandatory reporting of any such contact, and a ban on possessing or accessing child exploitation material, pornography, and images of children.

The supervision order will last until November 7, 2034.

It will be reviewed by the court at that time.

Originally published as Convicted paedophile Timothy Salmon released despite reoffending risk