NSW: Flawed laws to blame for rapist on the loose

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2007
NSW: Flawed laws to blame for rapist on the loose

The New South Wales opposition says the legislation aimed at keeping serious sex offenders
behind bars once their sentences expire is flawed.

Acting opposition justice spokesman CHRIS HARTCHER says the confusing laws are to blame
for a serial rapist and child sex offender giving authorities the slip.

RAYMOND BARRY CORNWALL is being hunted after breaching the conditions of his release
under an extended supervision order.

The 52-year-old disappeared .. within half an hour of being escorted to approved accommodation
in Parramatta .. and having an electronic monitor fitted to his ankle.

The state government tried to keep CORNWELL behind bars .. but he successfully appealed
a NSW Supreme Court decision to detain him for eight months .. to undergo a special custodial
sex offenders program.

Mr HARTCHER says the new laws need clearly established criteria to guide the courts.

Police are still hunting CORNWALL and have warned people not to approach him under
any circumstances.

AAP RTV sk/hn/tm/bart

KEYWORD: CORNWALL OPPOSITION (SYDNEY)

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