Serial rapist banned from return to scene of his crimes
In what is believed to be a legal first, child rapist Dennis McKenna will be banned from returning to Katanning as one of the stringent conditions underpinning his looming release from prison.
One of Australia's most notorious serial paedophiles will be prohibited from returning to the town of Katanning, where he committed his heinous crimes, marking a potential first of its kind for the state. Dennis McKenna, a former warden at St Andrew's Hostel, abused dozens of young boys during the 1970s and 80s, ultimately serving over 15 years in prison for his crimes.
The Supreme Court ruled this week that McKenna's release into the community could be managed by 41 stringent conditions, the most significant of which permanently bans him from the small town of Katanning - a place 240 kilometres south of Perth that still bears the scars of his predatory actions. Katanning shares the typical landmarks of larger farming communities in Australia, with a main street lined with federation buildings flanked by the major railway line.
The community of Katanning, known for its close-knit nature, has been left with a long-standing stain following McKenna's abuses. The shire president, Kristy D Aprile, expressed her support for the court's decision, stating that it was a crucial condition for the community's safety. John Hammond, who represented 25 of McKenna's victims during a compensation battle, noted that it was the first time he had heard of such a ban in Western Australia, particularly for the size of Katanning.
The Attorney General, Tony Buti, expressed sympathy for McKenna's victims and their families, emphasizing the abhorrent nature of his crimes and the devastating impact they have had on the community. However, some, like Todd Jefferis, one of McKenna's earliest victims, believe that the measures imposed by the Supreme Court do not go far enough.
Jefferis called for more restrictive measures, including limitations on McKenna's movements and a complete prohibition of contacting his victims. He criticized the state's solicitors office and others involved for failing the victims and their families, suggesting that the state should send a strong message to other paedophiles, stating that if caught, they should remain in prison.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
