General News
26 November, 2024
Mount Isa MP furious after alleged child sex offender granted bail
Member for Traeger Robbie Katter says the system needs to be fixed.
Robbie Katter says he understands why there is declining faith in the justice system after a man charged with child sex offences and supplying drugs to children was released on bail into the Mount Isa community last week.
Police said officers responded to reports of a man allegedly acting suspiciously with three children at a Mount Isa hotel on November 16.
Following further investigations, a 45-year-old man was charged with three counts of supplying dangerous drugs to a minor and one count of indecent treatment of a child under 16.
The man appeared before the Mount Isa Magistrates Court on November 18, where he was granted bail despite police opposing his release.
The man is due to reappear in Mount Isa Magistrates Court on January 13, 2025.
North West Weekly has chosen not to publish the name or any further details regarding the alleged offender because the case before the courts involves children.
Detectives are continuing to investigate this matter further and are appealing to anyone who may have experienced similar interactions to come forward.
Mr Katter expressed “outrage” and “bewilderment” that the courts would grant bail to the man and allow him to re-enter the Mount Isa community given the nature of the allegations.
The Member for Traeger said bail laws should not “put the interests of perpetrators ahead of community safety” and pledged to demand answers from the Attorney General’s office as state parliament resumes this week.
“No wonder people have lost faith in the justice system when a travesty like this is allowed to happen,” he said.
“I am taking a very firm interest in the situation that caused the decision to grant bail, and I will be seeking full and frank discussions.
“I know there are cases where frivolous claims are made against people in our courts, and they turn out to be incorrect.
“But these are very grave charges that have been laid against this man and we need to ensure that everything is being done to keep the community safe.”