WA Opposition calls for Ryan Clegg's bail to be revoked after he pleaded guilty to child sex offences
The West Australian Opposition is calling on the Barnett Government and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to bring on an appeal in relation to an offender who was bailed after pleading guilty to 61 child sex offences.
Key points:
- Ryan Trevor Clegg pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of girl pimped out by her father
- Shadow A-G calls for revocation of Clegg's bail, says he is living metres from a school
- Prosecutors apply for a court hearing for a 'variation' of Clegg's bail conditions
Ryan Trevor Clegg's offences relate to the abuse of a girl who was pimped on the internet by her father when she was aged between 11 and 13.
He was one of seven men including the girl's father who was charged last year.
"It's beyond comprehension how this person who has admitted to raping a young girl is out on bail," said Shadow Attorney-General John Quigley.
Clegg's offences included four counts of sexual penetration of a child, indecent dealings and possessing child pornography.
He was released on bail to reside in North Fremantle where there is growing concern among locals.
One resident, who did not want to be identified, told the ABC that schools were not made aware of Clegg's presence in the community.
"Neither the primary school nor the early learning centre were notified," she said.
"They have found out about this man through parents recognising him out and about in local shops and through the media, before contacting police for confirmation."
Clegg's residence close to child care centre: Quigley
Mr Quigley met with residents on Sunday to discuss their concerns, and called on the Government to respond immediately.
"I understand one of the conditions of bail is that he not be within 100 metres of a school," Mr Quigley said.
"I've just stepped out the distance between where he's residing and the nearest school, a child care centre, which is 60 metres.
"He's clearly in breach of his bail conditions and I demand that the State Government bring an application at 10:00am [on Monday] before the Chief Magistrate to have this man's bail revoked."
In a statement, Attorney-General Michael Mischin described Mr Quigley's comments as hypocritical.
"It was the previous Labor government who introduced an amendment to the Bail Act in 2008 which removed the presumption against bail following conviction," he said.
"Notwithstanding, the court made a decision that the stringent bail conditions placed on Clegg were sufficient to minimise any risk to the community."
Clegg will appear in court again at the end of September where it is likely a date will be set for sentencing.