Dangerous sex offender released under strict supervision order (ABC)

View Comments ABC Patrick Alfred Dennis Comeagain walks out of Casuarina jail.

A dangerous sex offender who has spent most of his adult life behind bars has had his release approved by a Supreme Court judge in Perth.

Patrick Alfred Dennis Comeagain, 41, has a criminal history that included offences against a nine-year-old girl in 1994 and the sexual assault of two women, whose homes he broke into in 1999. 

The offences against the young girl were committed less than seven months after he was granted parole from a previous offence.

The crimes against the two women happened 34 days after he was next released.

Comeagain has been in jail since 1999 and in 2008 was declared a "dangerous sex offender" under WA's tough sex offender laws. 

Prosecutors wanted him kept behind bars and he has had his application for release rejected by the Supreme Court on four previous occasions.

Previous court hearings have been told that in the past Comeagain had tested positive for drug use in prison.

Last year Comeagain indicated he was going to take part in an intensive sex offender treatment program, to try to lower his risk of committing further sexual offences.

After an extensive hearing earlier this year, Justice Ralph Simmonds has ruled Comeagain can be released on a 10-year strict supervision order.

He has to abide by 43 conditions, including that he not possess or use any prohibited drug or alcohol, abide by a curfew, be subject to electronic monitoring and have no contact with anyone under 16 unless approved by those supervising him.

Comeagain also has to have consultations with a psychiatrist and a psychologist.

The supervision order was finalised in the Supreme Court where Comeagain appeared via video link from Casuarina Prison.

Justice Simmonds told Comeagain: "The court wishes you well under this order and expects you will take full advantage of what it offers". 

Comegain replied: "I appreciate that. It has been a long time coming and I will grab this opportunity. Me and my partner have been looking forward to our next life".

WA Police Minister Liza Harvey said she felt for Comeagain's victims.

"I can only imagine their horror on seeing this person released. I share it," she said.

"But we will manage him as effectively as we can and it has been a decision by the court, it has been opposed by the Government".

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/24327271/dangerous-sex-offender-released-under-strict-supervision-order/